Linear Light Source Lens with Sawteeth Microstructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strip illuminating devices face challenges in achieving uniform elongated light distribution due to the thickness and geometrical constraints of TIR extrusion lenses and the inability of column stripe lenses to control light of different incident angles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lens design featuring a central convex region flanked by symmetrical second concave regions with a continuous sawteeth-like microstructure, allowing for adjustable internal reflection and refraction to achieve uniform light distribution, where the sawteeth units have varying shapes and angles to direct light to a predetermined direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If TIR extrusion lens is used to achieve light distribution control, then light distribution is improved, but lens thickness increases making it inapplicable in environments with strict geometrical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The lens surface is divided into multiple functional zones: a first convex region, second concave regions with continuous sawteeth microstructure, and edge regions. This segmentation allows different parts of the lens to control light in different ways, achieving effective light distribution with reduced overall thickness
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical functions and structural characteristics. The second concave regions with sawteeth microstructure provide total internal reflection for specific light angles, while the first convex region and edge regions handle other light paths differently, optimizing local light control to achieve overall uniform distribution
2Length of stationary object
If lens with column stripes is used to reduce thickness, then lens thickness is reduced, but uniform light distribution cannot be achieved because column strips are uniformly distributed and cannot control light of different incident angles
Solution Approach 1:
The lens employs non-uniform regional design where the second concave regions contain continuous sawteeth microstructure with varying shapes and angles, while the first convex region and edge regions have different structures. This local differentiation enables effective control of light from different incident angles, achieving uniform light distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The lens uses curved surfaces including convex and concave regions with specific radii of curvature. The continuous sawteeth microstructure is formed on arched shapes with specific curvature characteristics, enabling effective light control while maintaining a compact, thin profile
3Ease of manufacture
If sawteeth with constant height are used in microstructure, then manufacturing is simplified, but light control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous sawteeth microstructure features varying heights and angles in different locations rather than uniform constant dimensions. This local variation allows precise control of light reflection angles for different incident light paths, improving light distribution uniformity while remaining manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The sawteeth microstructure parameters (height, angle, spacing) are varied continuously or in controlled steps across different regions of the lens. This parameter variation enables precise optical control by matching the microstructure characteristics to the specific light control requirements of each lens region
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 design enables a high optical efficiency and uniform elongated light distribution, suitable for environments with strict geometrical constraints, by optimizing the internal reflection and refraction of light within the lens.
Implementation Method 1
respective second concave region 2 that mainly receives light from the light source L has a microstructure, i.e., a continuous sawteeth-like structure consisting of a plurality of total internally reflective sawteeth-like units T
Implementation Method 2
the small angle part emergent light is refracted in lens
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lens for a linear light source (L), comprising an outer surface facing away the light source (L) and an inner surface facing to the light source (L), wherein the outer surface is a planar emergent surface (F) and the inner surface comprises a first convex region (1) and second concave regions (2), symmetrical with respect to the first convex region (1), wherein respective second concave region (2) has a microstructure, through which light from the light source (L) is refracted and further reflected to the emergent surface (F). In addition, the present invention further relates to an illuminating device equipped with the lens. The lens according to the present invention has a small thickness and can totally refract and internally reflect light of different incident angles so as to create an elongated uniform light distribution pattern.