Light Source Lens with Segmented Exit Surface for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source lenses for liquid crystal display units, particularly those using LEDs, often result in uneven luminance distributions when multiple light sources are combined, making it difficult to achieve even illumination.
Innovation Solution
A light source lens with an incident surface and an exit surface, where the exit surface has a diffusing function at the center and a light-condensing function at intermediate and peripheral parts, improving luminance distribution uniformity by diffusing light at the center and condensing it at the intermediate and peripheral parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source lens with diffusing function at the entire exit surface is used, then light diffusion is improved, but luminance distribution uniformity deteriorates due to excessive light loss at peripheral parts
Solution Approach 1:
The exit surface is divided into different functional regions: a center part with diffusing function and intermediate/peripheral parts with light-condensing function. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between overall light diffusion and peripheral light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The exit surface is segmented into multiple functional zones (center part and intermediate/peripheral parts) with different optical functions. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each zone's light control characteristics to achieve overall luminance uniformity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are disposed to obtain planar luminance distribution, then illumination coverage is improved, but luminance uniformity deteriorates due to difficulty in achieving even distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The light source lens creates a specific luminance distribution pattern with enhanced peripheral luminance through its dual-function exit surface. This patterned distribution allows multiple light sources to be arranged in a grid pattern while maintaining overall uniformity, as each source contributes a complementary distribution that fills in gaps between adjacent sources.
3Illumination intensity
If a light source lens with only diffusing function is used, then light emission is improved, but luminance unevenness worsens due to decreased luminance at peripheral parts
Solution Approach 1:
The exit surface is divided into different functional regions: a center part with diffusing function and intermediate/peripheral parts with light-condensing function. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between overall light diffusion and peripheral light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-condensing function at the intermediate and peripheral parts converts what would normally be light loss (harmful effect) into beneficial light concentration. This compensates for the natural decrease in luminance at peripheral parts, transforming the harmful peripheral light loss into a benefit that enhances overall luminance uniformity.
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 luminance distribution uniformity, reduces luminance unevenness, and allows for a wider illumination range with fewer light-emitting devices, improving contrast ratios and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The exit surface has a diffusing function at a center part for light incident through the incident surface
Implementation Method 2
The exit surface also has a light-condensing function at at least a portion of an intermediate part and a peripheral part for the light incident through the incident surface
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a light source lens that makes it possible to improve unevenness in a luminance distribution, an illumination unit, and a display unit.A light source lens (1) according to the present disclosure includes an incident surface on which light from a light-emitting device is incident, and an exit surface (20) that has a diffusing function at a center part (21) for light incident through the incident surface as well as a light-condensing function at at least a portion of an intermediate part (22) and a peripheral part (23) for the light incident through the incident surface.