Linear Light Module Optical Mixing for Uniform Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems, including incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, lack long life, high energy efficiency, and consistent color quality, while LED systems face challenges in tuning correlated color temperature (CCT) and color rendering index (CRI) when dimming.
Innovation Solution
A linear light module design using an optical coupling element and light pipe to efficiently mix and direct light from LEDs, incorporating a diffuser and reflective surfaces to achieve uniform illumination and prevent hot spots, with a thermal path for heat dissipation and modular communication among modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lighting technologies (incandescent and fluorescent bulbs) are used, then ease of operation and availability are improved, but energy efficiency and lifespan are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional lighting parameters (incandescent/fluorescent) to LED technology with optimized optical parameters. The LED array with specific color temperatures (2000K, 4000K, 6000K) and the light pipe optical design enable high energy efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through modular installation and control systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED light sources are used, then energy efficiency and lifespan are improved, but color quality control and tuning capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple LED arrays with different color temperatures (2000K, 4000K, 6000K) arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows independent control of each LED array, enabling precise tuning of overall color quality and CCT while maintaining high energy efficiency of LED technology.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light pipe receive light from LEDs with specific color temperatures. The optical design creates local quality variations that, when combined, produce uniform illumination with tunable overall color characteristics. Each local region contributes specific color properties to the final output.
3Reliability
If multiple LED arrays with different color temperatures are used, then color rendering index (CRI) is improved, but system complexity and manufacturing precision are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED arrays emitting different color temperatures (2000K, 4000K, 6000K) are merged through the light pipe optical system. The optical design combines these separate light sources into a unified illumination output with improved CRI, while the modular structure keeps system complexity manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe serves multiple functions: it guides light from multiple LED arrays, mixes different color temperatures, distributes illumination uniformly, and enables color tuning. This multi-functionality improves CRI through combined spectral output while avoiding proportional increases in system complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If light is emitted directly from LED array, then energy efficiency is improved, but illumination uniformity and hot spot prevention are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary between the LED array and the illuminated space. It receives concentrated light from the energy-efficient LED array, mixes and redistributes the light through its optical path, and emits uniform illumination without hot spots, preserving LED energy efficiency while solving uniformity issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe transforms the point-source or line-source light emission from LEDs into a distributed planar or linear emission pattern. This dimensional transformation spreads the light over a larger area, achieving uniform illumination while maintaining the energy efficiency of the original LED source.
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 provides a seamless, tunable, and energy-efficient lighting system with uniform illumination and improved color consistency, extending module life through effective heat management and modular integration.
Implementation Method 1
An example system includes four coupled light modules. The distal end of the light pipe of a first light module is placed against a proximal end of the light pipe of a second light module so that light emitted from the light pipe of the first light module is transmitted into the light pipe of the second light module.
Implementation Method 2
A linear light module design using an optical coupling element and light pipe to efficiently mix and direct light from LEDs, incorporating a diffuser and reflective surfaces to achieve uniform illumination and prevent hot spots
Implementation Method 3
A linear light module design using an optical coupling element and light pipe to efficiently mix and direct light from LEDs, incorporating a diffuser and reflective surfaces to achieve uniform illumination and prevent hot spots
Implementation Method 4
with a thermal path for heat dissipation and modular communication among modules
Data Source
AI summary
Light source systems and methods of operating the light source systems are disclosed. A light source system may include a combination of two lighting modules in communication with each other. The lighting modules can operate in concert, in parallel, or as master or slave. A printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) of the light source system includes electrical circuitry to drive a set of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The PCBA can include a communication interface for communication amongst the lighting modules. The PCBA can also include an optical sensor to provide color spectrum feedback to a controller module for self calibration. A master PCBA can receive sensor feedbacks, such as thermal and optical feedbacks from a slave PCBA. The sensor feedbacks can then be used to tune a color spectrum of a slave lighting module including calibrating the slave lighting module.