Light-emitting Device with Optical Member for Variable Light Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting devices that adjust light distribution angles require mechanical means, resulting in large size, high cost, slow switching times, and poor interior styling.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device incorporating multiple light-emitting elements and an optical member with a first light condenser, a second light condenser, and a light guide portion, allowing for electrical switching of light distribution angles without mechanical components, using a combination of convex lenses and total reflection to control light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical means are used to change the positional relationship of light source and optical system, then light distribution angle can be switched, but device size becomes large, cost increases, switching time increases, and interior styling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution angle switchingVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with a fixed optical system comprising a light guide portion and multiple light emitting elements. The light guide portion uses total internal reflection to redirect light at different angles, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving variable light distribution angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the light source into multiple separate light emitting elements (first, second, and third light emitting elements) positioned at different locations. Each element contributes to the overall light distribution pattern, allowing angular variation through selective activation or spatial arrangement rather than mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical means are used to change the positional relationship of light source and optical system, then light distribution angle can be switched, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution angle switchingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with a light guide portion and multiple light emitting elements, eliminating complex mechanical assemblies and reducing manufacturing complexity. The fixed optical structure requires fewer precision components and assembly steps compared to mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide portion serves multiple functions: it transmits light from the light emitting elements, redirects light through total internal reflection, and enables variable light distribution angles without requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall component count and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical means are used to change the positional relationship of light source and optical system, then light distribution angle can be switched, but switching time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution angle switchingVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a fixed optical system that enables instantaneous switching of light distribution angles through electrical control of light emitting elements or optical properties, eliminating mechanical response time and achieving rapid switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control through variable refractive index regions or controllable light emitting elements that can change their optical properties or activation state in response to control signals, enabling rapid switching between different light distribution angles without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical means are used to change the positional relationship of light source and optical system, then light distribution angle can be switched, but interior styling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight distribution angle switchingVSAvoidinterior styling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visible mechanical components with a compact fixed optical system, resulting in a sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing design suitable for interior applications where appearance is important.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the light guide portion and multiple light emitting elements in a nested or integrated arrangement within the housing, creating a compact structure that maintains clean lines and aesthetic appearance while incorporating the functionality for variable light distribution angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 rapid, reliable, and cost-effective switching of light distribution angles, improving interior styling and reducing device size and manufacturing costs, while minimizing glare and uneven illumination.

Implementation Method 1

The first light condenser portion condenses a portion of light emitted from the first light-emitting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The first light condenser portion has a convex lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvex lens focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

The second light condenser portion condenses a portion of the light that is not incident to the first light condenser portion among the light emitted from the first light-emitting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

The first light guide portion guides light emitted from the second light-emitting element by causing total reflection in an interior of the first light guide portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11924937B2Light-emitting device, lighting device, and optical member

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 NICHIA CORP

AI summary

A light-emitting device includes an optical member including first and second light emitting elements, first and second light condenser portions, and a light guide portion. The first light condenser portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the first light-emitting element, and condenses a portion of light emitted from the first light-emitting element. The second light condenser portion surrounds the first light condenser portion, and condenses a portion of the light that is not incident to the first light condenser portion among the light emitted from the first light-emitting element. The light guide portion is disposed at a periphery of the second light condenser portion and at a position corresponding to the second light-emitting element, and guides light emitted from the second light-emitting element by causing total reflection in an interior of the light guide portion. A full width at half maximum of light exiting from the light guide portion is larger than a full width at half maximum of light exiting from the first light condenser portion.