Linear Light Pipe with Segmented Lens Portions for Even Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED light assemblies produce harsh, high-glare light patterns and undesirable shadowing due to their point source nature, requiring close spacing and increased numbers of LEDs to achieve even illumination, particularly problematic for critical surfaces like workspaces or product displays.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly comprising a single, elongated light pipe with multiple lens portions along its length, where each LED emits light into the pipe, allowing for mixing and scattering to produce a continuous, even linear output through a light-exiting surface with facets or texturing for three-dimensional scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional secondary lenses or light pipes with closely spaced LEDs are used, then light mixing and linear pattern emission are achieved, but the number of LEDs increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is segmented into multiple sections, each associated with a LED. Each section contains optical elements (lens portions, reflectors, prisms) that are segmented and distributed along the length of the light pipe. This segmentation allows each LED to illuminate a specific region while contributing to the overall mixed linear light output, reducing the total number of LEDs needed compared to traditional closely-spaced configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary element that receives light from LEDs and transforms it into a mixed linear pattern. Optical elements within each section (lens portions, reflectors, prisms) serve as intermediaries to redirect, diffuse, and mix the light before it exits the light pipe. This intermediary structure enables effective light mixing with fewer LEDs by optimizing the light path and distribution within each section.
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are spaced closely together to achieve effective light mixing, then illumination evenness improves, but the number of LEDs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is divided into multiple sections with each section containing specific optical elements (lens portions, reflectors, or prisms). This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each section can be independently fabricated and then assembled into the complete light pipe, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining illumination evenness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different optical element configurations (lens portions, reflectors, prisms) with varying geometric parameters along the length of the light pipe. By changing the parameters of these optical elements (shape, size, orientation, material properties), the light distribution and mixing characteristics are optimized for each section, achieving uniform illumination without requiring closely spaced LEDs.
3Device complexity
If point source LEDs are used directly, then device simplicity is maintained, but harsh glare and shadowing occur on critical surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe serves as an intermediary between the point source LEDs and the illuminated surface. Within the light pipe, optical elements (lens portions, reflectors, prisms) further mediate the light by diffusing and redirecting it. This dual intermediary structure transforms the harsh point source light into a softened, evenly distributed linear light pattern that eliminates glare and shadowing on critical surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the light emission from a point source (zero-dimensional) to a linear distribution (one-dimensional) through the light pipe structure. By adding the dimensional transformation and incorporating optical elements that distribute light across multiple dimensions within each section, the harsh point source characteristics are eliminated while maintaining relative device simplicity.
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 enables even light distribution with fewer LEDs, reducing glare and shadowing, achieving a homogeneous light pattern across the illuminated surface.
Implementation Method 1
Each light source is associated with one of the lens portions to emit light into the lens portion and, therefore, the light pipe as a whole
Implementation Method 2
The light from the light sources mixes within the light pipe before exiting the light pipe through the light-exiting surface in a linear pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly including a light pipe and a plurality of light sources. The light pipe is an elongated, single, unitary piece having a generally linear light-exiting surface along one edge. The light pipe includes a plurality of lens portions along its length. Each lens portion forms a portion of the light existing surface. Each light source is associated with one of the lens portions to emit light into the lens portion and, therefore, the light pipe as a whole. The light from the light sources mixes within the light pipe before exiting the light pipe through the light-exiting surface in a generally linear pattern.