Lighting Device Light Guide Reflection Section

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices face challenges in enhancing light intensity in specific directions and minimizing light loss through the dispensing section, which affects their light distribution characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The lighting device incorporates a light guide with a concave section and a reflection section featuring a through hole and inclined reflection surfaces, along with an irradiation section that protrudes from the through hole, allowing for controlled light distribution and condensation of light in predetermined directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light is radiated through the dispensing section to achieve light distribution similar to incandescent bulbs, then light distribution characteristics are improved, but light loss is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution characteristicsVSAvoidlight loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide is divided into multiple sections: a first light guide section for guiding light from the emitting element, a second light guide section with a concave portion for light condensation, and a dispensing section. This segmentation allows different functional zones to optimize both light distribution and reduce loss by directing more light through the condensing path rather than dispersing it all through the dispensing section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The concave portion acts as an intermediary optical element between the light emitting element and the dispensing section. It condenses and redirects light, serving as a mediator that transforms the light path to reduce loss while maintaining distribution characteristics. The concave surface reflects and focuses light, creating an intermediate optical path that improves overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If light intensity in predetermined directions is enhanced, then directional lighting performance is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensity in predetermined directionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The concave portion is strategically positioned and shaped to create localized light condensation in specific directions. By modifying only the local geometry of the light guide (adding the concave section) rather than redesigning the entire system, the patent achieves directional enhancement with minimal added complexity. The concave surface's curvature and position are optimized to focus light where needed without requiring additional optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enhances light intensity in desired directions and allows for precise control of light distribution, reducing light loss and improving overall light efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide that guides light radiated from the light emitting element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a reflection section that includes a through hole provided on a bottom surface of the concave section, a first reflection surface provided on a side surface of the concave section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2840296B1Lighting device and movable body lighting device
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 TOSHIBA LIGHTING & TECHNOLOGY CORP
  • EP2840296B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2840296B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2840296B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A lighting device (1) according to an embodiment includes: a light emitting section (2) that has a light emitting element (21); a light guide (4) that is provided on a side of radiation of light of the light emitting section (2); and a reflection section (5) that is provided in an end section of the light guide (4) on the side opposite the side of the light emitting section (2) and includes a through hole (5b) that exposes the light guide (4) and a first reflection surface (5a) that is inclined in a direction in which a side of the light emitting section (2) approaches a side of a center shaft of the light guide (4).