Light Pipe with Segmented Reflective Strips for Wide Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light pipes face limitations in maximizing light output and achieving wider light distribution due to excessive light degradation when increasing the width of reflective strips, which results in limited projection angles and inconsistent emission.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a light pipe with a cylindrical structure featuring a reflective strip that acts as a secondary light source, utilizing primary and secondary reflective surfaces to create a wider effective angle of illumination while maintaining uniform light distribution along the length, achieved through strategically positioned protrusions or channels with reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the width of the reflective strip is increased to widen the light projection angle, then the projection angle is improved, but light degradation along the length of the light pipe increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective strip is segmented into multiple discrete reflective elements (first reflective element, second reflective element, third reflective element) positioned at different locations along the light pipe. Each element has specific dimensions and orientations that reflect light at different angles, achieving wide projection angle without requiring a continuously wide reflective strip, thus minimizing light degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the light pipe are equipped with reflective elements having different properties: the first reflective element has a first width and reflects light at a first angle, the second reflective element has a second width and reflects light at a second angle, and the third reflective element has a third width and reflects light at a third angle. This local differentiation allows optimization of light distribution at each location without uniformly increasing the overall reflective strip width.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the width of the reflective strip is increased to achieve wider light distribution, then the light distribution angle is improved, but the light output efficiency deteriorates due to excessive light degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective strip is divided into multiple discrete reflective elements positioned at different locations along the light pipe. Each element contributes to the overall light distribution width while maintaining efficient light reflection at its specific location, avoiding the light degradation that would result from a single wide reflective strip.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing light distribution width by expanding the reflective strip width in one dimension, the invention uses multiple reflective elements positioned at different longitudinal locations along the light pipe, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to achieve wide angular distribution while maintaining reflection 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
This configuration enhances the effective angle of light emission, providing a more uniform and pleasing light distribution with softer edges, suitable for applications requiring wider illumination without significant light loss, such as automotive and household uses.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of focal points of light outside of an outer surface of a light pipe section are formed. The light pipe includes one or more reflective surfaces, any one of which is disposed such that when the at least one reflective surface is illuminated, a plurality of refraction points are formed on an inner surface of the light pipe causing the plurality of focal points
Implementation Method 2
Light pipes are typically cylindrical, transparent structures through which light is channeled longitudinally by total internal reflection. Total internal reflection occurs when light is transmitted at a critical angle from one medium to another medium with a lower index of refraction.
Implementation Method 3
when the at least one reflective surface is illuminated, a plurality of refraction points are formed on an inner surface of the light pipe causing the plurality of focal points of light outside of an outer surface of the light pipe section
Data Source
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AI summary
A light pipe (200,400) is configured to provide a wide effective angle of illumination while simultaneously providing a substantially uniform distribution of light along a length of the light pipe. One or more reflective surfaces (208) not aligned with an inner surface (220) are disposed such that when at least one reflective surface is illuminated, light is emitted from the light pipe at one or more specified angles of light emission. A plurality of reflection points (P) are formed on the inner surface to cause the specified angles when at least one of the reflective surfaces is illuminated. A light pipe is also provided having one or more exterior protrusions (102,202) configured to function as a secondary light source. A second portion (410b) of an outer surface (410) of the light pipe has a radius of curvature which differs from the radius of curvature of the first portion (410a) of the outer surface.