Microstructured Light-Directing Element for Homogeneous LED Flux
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-power LEDs with Lambert emission characteristics or large opening angles suffer from inhomogeneous luminous flux due to structural and electrical inhomogeneities, leading to disruptive color variations when multiple LEDs of different colors are used, resulting in incomplete mixing of color components and significant brightness loss.
Innovation Solution
A light-aligning element with a microstructure of elevations and depressions deflects individual beam paths by <5°, redistributing light to achieve a highly homogeneous and directed luminous flux without significant brightness loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If refractive and reflective secondary optics are used to bundle luminous flux into a directed beam, then the luminance level in the forward direction is improved, but the inhomogeneity of the luminous flux and color variations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a microstructure with specific elevations and depressions at particular locations on the decoupling surface. This microstructure is designed to deflect beam paths by specific angles (α and β) to redistribute light locally, achieving homogeneous luminous flux while preserving the directed beam characteristic. The non-uniform distribution of elevations and depressions creates local variations that correct the overall inhomogeneity without compromising the directed nature of the light.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED chips of different colors are used to expand color range, then the color versatility is improved, but the mixing of color components and homogeneity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the microstructure (elevation heights, depression depths, spacing, and angular orientations) to optimize light redistribution. By carefully controlling these geometric parameters, the microstructure achieves angle-dependent deflection that promotes thorough mixing of different color components from multiple LED chips, resulting in homogeneous color distribution across the luminous flux while maintaining the full color range.
3Manufacturing precision
If diffusion coatings are applied to scatter light and achieve homogeneity, then the homogeneity of luminous flux is improved, but the brightness loss worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional diffusion coating approach with a precise microstructure-based optical system. Instead of using diffuse scattering that randomly redirects light (causing brightness loss), the microstructure uses controlled refraction and reflection at specifically designed elevations and depressions to deflect beam paths in predetermined directions. This geometric optics approach achieves homogeneity through controlled redistribution rather than random scattering, minimizing energy loss and preserving brightness.
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 microstructured light-aligning element ensures a homogeneous and directed luminous flux, maintaining brightness levels and minimizing color variations across the light cone, thereby enhancing the usability of light-generating arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
the decoupling surface of the light alignment element has a microstructure formed from a large number of elevations and depressions, through which the individual beam paths of the directed light beams of the luminous flux can be deflected by an angle of <5°
Implementation Method 2
the wall of the light-aligning element that extends from the coupling-in surface to the out-coupling surface of the light-aligning element has a microstructure formed from a large number of elevations and depressions, which allows the reflection of the individual beam paths of the directed light beams of the luminous flux on the wall of the Light alignment element can be deflected by an angle of <5°
Implementation Method 3
a transparent light-aligning element arranged at a distance in the direction of emission in front of the semiconductor element, through which the light emitted by the semiconductor element can be bundled into a directed luminous flux
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light-generating arrangement comprising a light-emitting semiconductor element provided with electric supply lines and a transparent light-directing element (2) which is arranged upstream of the semiconductor element in the emission direction at a distance therefrom and which is used for concentrating the light emitted by said semiconductor element in such a way that a light stream is formed. The light output surface (4) of the light-directing element (2) comprises a microstructure (6) consisting of a plurality of elevations and cavities deviating the trajectory of the light stream by <5°.