Controllable Light Directional Distributor for Adjustable Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination systems face inefficiencies due to fixed directionality of light sources, which cannot be easily adjusted to suit changing lighting needs, leading to over-illumination and wasteful use of light, particularly in environments where varying lighting effects are desired.
Innovation Solution
A controllable light directional distributor using a series of elongate optical structures with electrically controllable birefringent material, allowing for adjustable divergence angles and polarization control to optimize light distribution based on environmental requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional directional lamps with fixed reflector optics are used, then light directionality is determined by design, but adjustment of pointing direction adds cost requiring gimbal type mounts and is difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (gimbal type mounts) with an optical solution using a half-wave plate and polarizing beam splitter. The light direction is controlled by rotating the half-wave plate orientation, which changes the polarization state and thus the beam deflection angle, eliminating the need for mechanical movement of the entire lamp assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization parameter of the light using a half-wave plate to control beam direction. By rotating the half-wave plate, the polarization angle changes, which directly controls the deflection angle of the light beam through the polarizing beam splitter, providing easy adjustment without mechanical repositioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple directional lamps are installed to deal with changing usage patterns, then lighting requirements can be met, but this gives an inefficient over-illumination of a room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light direction dynamic and adjustable after installation. A single lamp can be repositioned electronically using the half-wave plate and polarizing beam splitter system to direct light to different areas as needed, replacing the need for multiple fixed lamps and eliminating over-illumination of areas that don't require lighting.
3Illumination intensity
If Lambertian emitters are used to flood a room with light, then light distribution is uniform, but this is inefficient as light is distributed to regions that may not require illumination and produces high source glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a polarizing beam splitter to create directionally controlled illumination. Instead of uniform Lambertian distribution, the light is directed locally to specific areas that require illumination. The system can adjust the beam direction to target specific zones, providing local quality illumination rather than uniform global illumination, thereby reducing energy waste in unoccupied or already-lit areas.
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
Enables efficient and flexible lighting by increasing the divergence angle and symmetry of light beams, reducing overall lighting power consumption and improving visual comfort through adjustable illumination patterns.
Implementation Method 1
A controllable light directional distributor using a series of elongate optical structures with electrically controllable birefringent material
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable light directional distributor for an illumination apparatus, and a method of manufacture of the same in which multiple elongate optical elements are arranged to provide controllable divergence angle from a light source with low divergence output angle.