Light-Directing Lensing Member for Off-Axis LED Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting systems face challenges in directing light efficiently to preferred areas while minimizing 'trespass light' towards non-preferential regions, with current lenses being costly and inefficient in achieving uniform light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A light-directing lensing member with a specific design featuring a major and minor lens-portion, configured to refract light predominantly in an off-axis direction towards the preferred side, utilizing total internal reflection to minimize light directed towards the non-preferential side, and an angled end surface to further control light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional lenses are used to direct LED light, then some light is redirected to the preferential side, but trespass light to the non-preferential side cannot be sufficiently minimized and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into three distinct regions (first region for preferential side light redirection, second region for total internal reflection to block trespass light, and third region for uniform light distribution), allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall lens integration
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties and functions: the first region redirects light to the preferential side, the second region creates total internal reflection to minimize trespass light, and the third region ensures uniform light distribution, with each region's geometry specifically tailored to its local function
2Illumination intensity
If light is directed preferentially to one side, then illumination in the intended area is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The third region is specifically designed with geometry that ensures uniform light distribution in areas where light falls, compensating for the preferential directionality of the first region and creating an overall uniform illumination pattern across the illuminated surface
3Ease of operation
If multiple refractions are used to control light direction, then light distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens uses three distinct regions with different geometric configurations, each performing a specific optical function through single refraction or total internal reflection, achieving complex light control through spatial segmentation rather than multiple sequential refractions
Solution Approach 2:
The second region utilizes total internal reflection to convert light that would otherwise become trespass light into a beneficial effect by redirecting it away from the non-preferential side, transforming a potential harmful factor into a light control mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly widens the illumination angle on the preferred side, narrows the lateral illumination angle, and achieves improved uniformity and control of light distribution, minimizing trespass light and enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an outer surface configured for refracting light from the emitter in a predominantly off-axis direction toward the preferential side
Implementation Method 2
The back region of the major lens-portion outer surface is centered on the back side of the lensing member and extends from the base end at a position and in a configuration such that the angle of incidence of light from the emitter thereon is greater than the critical angle, thereby causing total internal reflection (TIR) of such light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-directing lensing member for off-axial preferential-side distribution of light from a light emitter having an emitter axis, including a base end with a perimeter-loop line defining a main plane transverse the emitter axis, and an outer surface configured for refracting light from the emitter in a predominantly off-axis direction toward the preferential side. The outer surface includes a major lens-portion and an axially-located minor lens-portion. The major lens portion outer surface has a front region centered on the front side, a back region centered on the back side, and a middle region around the emitter axis and contiguous with the front and back regions. The minor lens-portion has a surrounding-loop surface extending from the middle region transverse the main plane and terminating at an end surface configured to direct substantially axially-parallel light from the emitter in off-axis direction toward the preferential side.