Lighting Device Switching Overall and Local Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices require multiple units with small light distribution angles to achieve both overall and local lighting, making them cumbersome and inefficient for dynamic lighting needs.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a pair of disc-shaped light guides with LEDs disposed along their inner walls, a reflection sheet, and a liquid crystal lens that can alter the light direction and distribution angle, allowing a single device to switch between overall and local lighting by changing the light spot direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting devices with small light distribution angles are used to achieve both overall and local lighting, then the lighting flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single lighting device that can perform both overall lighting and local lighting functions by incorporating a large light distribution angle light guide plate. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate lighting devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining lighting flexibility through software-controlled beam direction adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions (overall lighting and local lighting) into a single integrated device. By merging the light guide plate, LED array, and liquid crystal lens into one unit, the system achieves both broad coverage and focused illumination capabilities without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting devices are used to achieve both overall and local lighting, then the lighting versatility is improved, but the power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single lighting device with large light distribution angle light guide plate performs both overall and local lighting functions, eliminating the need for multiple devices and their associated power consumption. The system uses software control to direct light beams to different areas, maintaining versatility while reducing energy usage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a point light source LED is used, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the light distribution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a large light distribution angle light guide plate as an intermediary between the point light source LED and the illumination area. The light guide plate receives light from the efficient LED point source and redistributes it across a wide area, maintaining the energy efficiency of LEDs while achieving the light distribution capability needed for both overall and local lighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical light distribution methods with a liquid crystal lens that uses optical field control to adjust beam direction. This substitution maintains the point light source's efficiency while enabling dynamic light distribution control through electrical rather than mechanical means.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional lighting devices with fixed light distribution angles are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different lighting needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a liquid crystal lens that enables dynamic adjustment of the light beam direction and distribution angle. This dynamic component allows the lighting device to adapt to different lighting needs (overall or local lighting) by changing the beam direction through software control, while the base structure remains relatively simple for manufacturing.
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
Enables efficient and flexible lighting by directing light effectively for both overall and local illumination, reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing power consumption and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal lens, disposed above the second major surface of the second light guide
Implementation Method 2
the liquid crystal lens changes a direction to an incident light
Implementation Method 3
convert a point light source to a surface light source suitable for overall lighting by setting LEDs along a wall of the light guide formed as disc shaped
Implementation Method 4
a reflection sheet disposed under the first back surface of the first light guide
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to realize a lighting device which can be switched between an overall lighting and a local lighting with a single lighting device. The concrete structure is a lighting device including: a first light guide having a first major surface and a first back surface, and a first hole; a second light guide, disposed on the first light guide, and having a second major surface, a second back surface, and a second hole; a reflection sheet disposed under the first back surface of the first light guide; a liquid crystal lens disposed above the second major surface of the second light guide, in which first LEDs and second LEDs are disposed circumferentially along a side wall of the first hole and a side wall of the second hole, respectively, and the first LEDs and the second LEDs are displaced each other in azimuth direction.