Light Guide Recesses for Point-Symmetric Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices are inadequate in illuminating large areas effectively with light emitted from light sources, as they often fail to distribute light efficiently across the desired area.
Innovation Solution
A light source device comprising a substrate with mounting areas for light-emitting elements, a light-shielding member, and a light guide member with recesses that refract and reflect light to illuminate areas point-symmetrically, allowing for efficient light distribution across a broader area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light-emitting elements are arranged on a substrate to illuminate large areas, then the illumination area increases, but the light distribution uniformity and extraction efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member is divided into multiple recesses (first recesses and second recesses) that segment the light path. Each recess acts as an independent light extraction zone, allowing light to be distributed uniformly across different areas. The first recesses are positioned near light-emitting elements while the second recesses are positioned away from them, creating segmented light extraction regions that improve overall uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by creating recesses at different depths and positions within the light guide member. Light is extracted not only from the top surface but also from the side walls of the recesses, adding a vertical light extraction dimension that improves distribution uniformity across the illumination area.
2Use of energy by moving object
If light is emitted directly from light-emitting elements, then the light extraction efficiency is high, but the illumination area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member acts as an intermediary between the light-emitting elements and the illumination area. It receives light from the elements and redistributes it across a larger area through its recess structure. The recesses serve as intermediate light extraction points that extend the illumination area while maintaining efficient light utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating recesses at different positions and depths within the light guide member, the patent extends light extraction into the vertical dimension. This allows light to be extracted from multiple levels and positions, effectively expanding the illumination area without sacrificing extraction efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a simple light guide structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member is segmented into multiple recesses with different functions: first recesses positioned near light-emitting elements for initial light entry, and second recesses positioned away from elements for additional light extraction. This segmentation improves uniformity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single piece.
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 device achieves effective illumination of large areas by ensuring light is emitted from the light guide member in a horizontal direction, enhancing light extraction efficiency and uniformity across the illumination area.
Implementation Method 1
is reflected at second inner surfaces defining the second recess toward the upper surface of the light guide member
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device includes a substrate having an upper surface including mounting areas; light-emitting elements on the upper surface of the substrate in the mounting areas; a light-shielding member on an upper surface of at least one of the light-emitting elements; and a light guide member defining, in a lower surface, first recesses and at least one second recess. The light-emitting elements are disposed on the mounting areas in the first recesses. Light emitted from the light-emitting elements enters the light guide member through first inner surfaces defining the first recesses, is reflected at second inner surfaces defining the second recess toward the upper surface of the light guide member, is emitted from the upper surface of the light guide member, and illuminates illumination areas at positions that are point-symmetrical, with respect to a point above the substrate, to the mounting areas where the light-emitting elements are disposed.