Light Guide Interior Channel Shape for Total Internal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guides that modify light distribution patterns either suffer from light attenuation due to transparent materials or require reflective layers on inner surfaces, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A light guide comprising a transparent element with an interior channel free from transparent material, where the channel's shape guides light into the transparent material and an outer surface provides total reflection, minimizing attenuation and eliminating the need for inner reflective layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light guide is made of transparent material to modify light distribution pattern, then light transmission is achieved, but light attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple sections: a first section with a reflective inner surface that directs light toward the outer surface, and a second section that allows light to pass through without attenuation. This segmentation enables different portions of the light guide to perform different functions - one for light redirection and another for clean light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the light guide have different optical properties. The first section has a reflective inner surface to redirect light, while the second section is transparent without internal reflection to minimize attenuation. This local differentiation of properties optimizes both light distribution and transmission efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If reflective layer is added on inner surface to prevent attenuation, then light transmission efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple sections: a first section with a reflective inner surface that directs light toward the outer surface, and a second section that allows light to pass through without attenuation. This segmentation enables different portions of the light guide to perform different functions - one for light redirection and another for clean light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the light guide have different optical properties. The first section has a reflective inner surface to redirect light, while the second section is transparent without internal reflection to minimize attenuation. This local differentiation of properties optimizes both light distribution and transmission efficiency.
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 effectively modifies light distribution patterns without attenuating light and eliminates the need for reflective layers, ensuring efficient light transmission and distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the outer surface is shaped to provide total reflection for reflecting light towards the second end
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A light guide (201) comprising a transparent element is presented. The transparent element comprises a first end (203) comprising a place for a light source, a second end (204) opposite the first end, an outer surface (205) between the first and second ends, and an interior channel (206) extending from the first end to the second end. The interior channel comprises a first portion (207) beginning from the first end and a second portion (208) extending to the second end. The first portion is shaped to guide at least part of light falling to its wall into the transparent material and the outer surface provides total reflection for reflecting the light towards the second end. The second portion is shaped so that light passed through the first portion without falling to a wall of the first portion reaches the second end without falling to a wall of the second portion.