Light-Guiding Plate End Portion Light Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices struggle to efficiently output light from the end portion of a light-guiding plate without compromising the transparent appearance, as most methods either fail to utilize the light effectively or require additional reflective members that degrade transparency.
Innovation Solution
A light-guiding unit with a hollow center, a diffusing and transmitting unit at its end portion, and a heat radiation unit connected to the ceiling, utilizing total reflection and scatter patterns on the back surface to efficiently output light from the end portion while maintaining transparency, using materials like acryl or glass with high thermal conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reflection sheet is used to reflect light toward the light output surface, then light output efficiency is improved, but transparentness of the illumination device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-guiding plate as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the light output surface. This plate guides light through total internal reflection and outputs it through its surface, serving as a mediator that achieves both efficient light output and transparent appearance without requiring additional reflection sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The light-guiding plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light from the LED source, diffuses light through its scatter pattern, and maintains transparent appearance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate reflection sheets that would compromise transparency
2Illumination intensity
If LED modules are arranged at the outer edge portion of the chassis, then illumination coverage is improved, but deformation of the chassis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from edge-mounted LED modules to a planar light-guiding plate configuration. By changing the spatial arrangement from peripheral mounting to a central planar structure, the system achieves wide illumination coverage without creating moment forces that cause chassis deformation
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 allows for efficient light output from the end portion of the light-guiding unit without degrading the transparent appearance, ensuring uniform luminance distribution and effective heat management, thus enhancing the illumination device's performance and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing total reflection and scatter patterns on the back surface to efficiently output light from the end portion while maintaining transparency
Implementation Method 2
utilizing total reflection and scatter patterns on the back surface to efficiently output light from the end portion while maintaining transparency
Implementation Method 3
a heat radiation unit connected to the ceiling, utilizing total reflection and scatter patterns on the back surface to efficiently output light from the end portion while maintaining transparency
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, an illumination device includes a light-guiding unit having a light output surface which outputs light and a back surface facing the light output surface, wherein the light-guiding unit has a curved surface in a region of the back surface farther than a first position on the back surface that is away by a first distance from an axis passing the light output surface and the back surface, and a rough surface in a region of the light output surface farther than a second position on the light output surface that is away by a second distance from the axis in a same direction as a direction from the axis toward the first position, and where an intersection of the axis and the back surface is an origin point, and a direction of the axis from the back surface to the light output surface is positive, a normal line of the curved surface intersects with the axis at the positive side of the axis, and an angle formed by a normal line vector at the second position in a direction toward the light output surface from the back surface of the light output surface and a vector in a direction from the curved surface to the second position is equal to or more than a critical angle.