Lightguide Internal Extraction Features for Curved Designs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightguide-based fixtures face limitations in curvature tolerance while maintaining total internal reflection (TIR) conditions and require back reflectors for optical efficiency, which increase design complexity and cost, and preclude transparency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating internal light extraction features within the lightguide, configured using various materials and techniques such as 3-D printing, laser cutting, or injection molding, to achieve desired photometric performance without the need for back reflectors, allowing for single-sided emission and higher optical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If back reflectors are used to maintain optical efficiency, then light extraction performance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the back reflector component entirely by extracting its light extraction function and implementing it through internal features within the lightguide body. This eliminates the need for separate reflector components while maintaining optical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The light extraction function previously performed by separate back reflector components is merged into the lightguide body itself through internal features. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Loss of energy
If back reflectors are used to maintain optical efficiency, then light extraction performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light extraction function is merged into the lightguide body through internal features, eliminating the need for separate reflector components. This reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightguide body is designed to perform multiple functions: light guidance and light extraction. By making the lightguide self-sufficient for both functions through internal features, the design reduces component count and manufacturing complexity.
3Loss of energy
If back reflectors are used to maintain optical efficiency, then light extraction performance is improved, but transparency is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The back reflector is completely removed from the design, replacing it with internal light extraction features that do not obstruct transparency. This allows the lightguide to maintain optical efficiency while enabling transparent or semi-transparent configurations.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional lightguide designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but curvature tolerance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the light extraction mechanism parameters by using internal features with specific geometries and distributions that are less sensitive to curvature changes. This allows the lightguide to maintain performance across a wider range of curvature conditions while remaining manufacturable.
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 approach enhances curvature tolerance, reduces design complexity and cost, and enables transparent or semi-transparent lightguides with higher optical and energy efficiency, enabling a wide range of lighting applications, including curved and multi-layered designs.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining total internal reflection (TIR) conditions
Implementation Method 2
direct incident light out of the lightguide
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for extracting light from within a lightguide by providing therein a plurality of internal light extraction features. A broad range of internal light extraction feature configurations (e.g., geometries/shapes, materials, refractive index changes, etc.) can be provided, and a variety of processes/techniques (e.g., 3-D printing, laser cutting/etching, injection molding, embossment, layer stacking, extrusion, etc.) can be used to do so. The features can be configured to achieve any desired set of photometric performance criteria (e.g., single/double-sided emission, optical efficiency, energy efficiency, spatial/angular luminance distribution, intensity gradients, etc.) for a given lightguide-based fixture/device. In some cases, internal and surficial light extraction features can be used together to extract light. Also, a wide variety of lighting fixtures/devices (e.g., panels, bulbs, tubes, rings, containers, three-dimensional structures/sculptures, multi-layered, multi-sectioned, etc.) can be produced using the disclosed techniques. In some cases, transparent/semi-transparent devices can be produced.