Light Mixing Lenses Using Segmented Reflective Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-mixing systems for high-power light sources, such as LEDs, face challenges in producing uniformly mixed light and reducing source imaging, with limited efficiency and sub-par illumination characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a light pipe with lateral surfaces configured for reflection or total internal reflection, coupled with a lens system that includes zoom lenses and surface modulations, such as microlenses or sinusoidal patterns, to modulate the output beam and achieve desired divergence and cross-sectional shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If textured surfaces are used to spread light from a light source, then light distribution is improved, but illumination characteristics and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe's lateral surface is divided into multiple discrete reflective elements (flat or curved reflective surfaces) rather than using a continuous textured surface. This segmentation allows precise control of light reflection paths while maintaining good illumination characteristics and efficiency, resolving the contradiction between light distribution and illumination quality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If textured surfaces are used to mix light, then light spreading is improved, but efficiency and capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light-mixing function from the light pipe body and implements it through specific reflective elements positioned on the lateral surface. These reflective elements are strategically placed to redirect light paths and achieve uniform mixing without the energy losses associated with textured surfaces, thereby maintaining high efficiency while achieving effective light mixing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light-mixing systems are used, then light from multiple sources can be combined, but uniformity and source imaging reduction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the light pipe's lateral surface are equipped with reflective elements having different characteristics (flat vs. curved surfaces). This local differentiation allows optimized light mixing in different regions, achieving high uniformity across the entire output while maintaining the capability to mix light from multiple sources. The source imaging is reduced through the distributed reflective elements that scatter light paths.
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 mixes light from multiple sources, including those of different colors, and provides a uniform illumination pattern with adjustable beam spread, enhancing the efficiency and performance of light-mixing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light pipe can be configured to cause mixing of the light rays via reflection at one or more lateral surfaces thereof as the light rays pass through the light pipe
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, the lateral surface(s) of the light pipe can be configured to cause total internal reflection of at least some of the light rays incident thereon
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
Lighting modules and lighting systems containing one or more lighting modules, and associated methods, are provided that receive light from one or more light sources for projecting it to a target surface, e.g., in a uniform, patterned, or other controlled manner. In various embodiments, the lighting modules and lighting systems can be used to mix the light generated by one or more sources.