Lighting Device Prism Arrays Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thin lighting devices face challenges in efficiently changing the exit angle of light and releasing collimated light in multiple directions without increasing size or weight, and often require mechanical driving devices or additional space for light refraction means.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device featuring a light guide plate with distinct prism arrays under different areas, allowing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to be arranged on the side surfaces, which enables efficient control of light exit angles and direction through the use of side light schemes and overlapping light guide plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting devices are arranged for each seat to project collimated light, then light projection capability is improved, but the number of pieces of lighting equipment increases and weight and space occupied increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources (first and second light-emitting diodes) are integrated into a single lighting device that shares common control circuitry and housing structures. The control unit selectively controls either the first light-emitting diode or the second light-emitting diode, combining multiple light projection functions into one unified device, thereby reducing the total number of separate lighting equipment pieces while maintaining the capability to project collimated light to different seats
2Ease of operation
If the light source is rotated to change the exit angle of light, then light direction control is improved, but a mechanical driving device is necessary and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation of the light source with an optical control mechanism. The control unit selectively activates different light-emitting diodes (first LED for first direction, second LED for second direction) to achieve light direction control without any mechanical moving parts. This substitution of mechanical system with electronic/optical control eliminates the need for mechanical driving devices while maintaining ease of operation for changing light exit angles
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device dynamically switches between different light-emitting diodes based on control signals to change light direction. Instead of mechanically rotating a single light source, the system dynamically activates different LED elements that emit light in different directions, providing adaptable light direction control without mechanical complexity
3Ease of operation
If refraction means is arranged on the exit side of light source to change exit angle, then light refraction capability is improved, but device size increases and driving means for refraction means is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refraction function from separate external optical components and integrates it directly into the light guide plate structure. The light guide plate itself is designed with optical properties that enable refraction and directional control of light. This integration eliminates the need for separate refraction means and their driving mechanisms, reducing device size while maintaining light refraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides light from the light-emitting diodes, provides structural support, and performs optical refraction to control light exit angles. By making the light guide plate multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate refraction components and their driving mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining effective light direction control
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 a thin, space-efficient lighting device that can easily change the exit angle of light and emit collimated light in multiple directions, reducing the need for mechanical driving devices and minimizing size and weight increases.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate having a first side surface extending in a first direction and a second side surface arranged opposite to the first side surface and extending in the first direction; and light-emitting diodes that are arranged at the first side surface or the second side surface
Implementation Method 2
a first prism array is formed under a bottom surface of the first area, and a second prism array is formed under a bottom surface of the second area, and a prism height of the second prism array is taller than a prism height of the first prism array
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device capable of changing light direction includes: a light guide plate having a first side surface extending in a first direction; and LEDs at the first side surface, in which the light guide plate has a first area extending in a second direction which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and a second area extending in the second direction and adjacent to the first area, corresponding to the first area, at least one LED is arranged at the first side surface, corresponding to the second area, at least one LED is arranged at the first side surface, a first prism array is formed under a bottom surface of the first area, and a second prism array is formed under a bottom surface of the second area, and a prism height of the second prism array is taller than a prism height of the first prism array.