Lighting Unit with Integrated Fiber Light Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems using single core optical fibers for illumination lack efficient methods to convert primary laser light into wide-range illumination, often relying on external diffusers which can be separate components and may not effectively manage heat generation and light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit is developed where a single core optical fiber integrates a light converter formed inside the fiber, using diffusing structures to convert primary laser light into secondary illumination light with a wider distribution angle, minimizing heat generation and component count by forming the light converter and exit end as part of the optical fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an external diffuser is used to convert laser light to wide-range illumination, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity and heat management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The light converter is integrated directly inside the optical fiber, merging the light guiding function and light conversion function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate external diffusers and reduces component count while maintaining wide-range illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light converter is nested within the optical fiber structure, with the converter positioned inside the fiber core. This nested arrangement allows the conversion function to be embedded within the existing light guiding pathway, reducing overall device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate diffuser component is added, then light distribution is improved, but heat generation and reliability under external loads worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the light converter and optical fiber into a single integrated structure, heat generated during light conversion is contained within the fiber's thermal management pathway, improving heat dissipation efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light converter is positioned at specific locations within the optical fiber (e.g., at the distal end or at multiple points along the fiber), creating localized conversion zones that optimize light distribution while managing heat generation at specific points rather than throughout the entire system.
3Productivity
If multiple separate components are used for light conversion, then conversion efficiency may be improved, but the overall system becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated light converter and optical fiber can be manufactured as a single unit using co-drawing or other integration techniques, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate components while maintaining conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves multiple functions simultaneously: light guidance, heat management, and structural support for the integrated light converter, reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying 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
This solution provides reliable, efficient conversion of primary laser light to wide-range illumination within the optical fiber, reducing heat-related issues and component complexity, while ensuring high reliability against external loads and maintaining a thin profile.
Implementation Method 1
a light converter formed inside the optical fiber, and configured to receive the primary light guided by the optical fiber, convert optical properties of at least part of the received primary light and generate secondary light
Implementation Method 2
The diffuser is a member that is provided separately from the optical fiber... using diffusing structures to convert primary laser light into secondary illumination light with a wider distribution angle
Implementation Method 3
a single core optical fiber including an incident end and a distal end, and configured to guide primary light, which is a laser light incident on the incident end, to the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting unit includes a single core optical fiber, a light converter, and an exit end. The single core optical fiber includes an incident end and a distal end, and is configured to guide primary light, which is a laser light incident on the incident end, to the distal end. The light converter is formed inside the optical fiber, and is configured to receive the primary light guided by the optical fiber, convert optical properties of at least part of the received primary light and generate secondary light. The exit end is arranged at the distal end of the optical fiber, and is configured to emit the secondary light externally as illumination light.