Monolithic Optical Device for Light Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for modifying light distribution, such as those using lenses and prisms, require mechanical support structures to maintain accurate positions of optical elements, leading to deviations in desired optical properties if not precisely aligned.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a first surface featuring convex areas and a second surface with tapering elevations, allowing controlled light direction and eliminating the need for mechanical support structures, as it can be manufactured as a single piece of material using mold casting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If lenses and prisms are used to modify light distribution, then light can be refracted and reflected to achieve desired distribution patterns, but mechanical support structures are required to maintain accurate positions of optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical elements (lenses and prisms) into a single integrated optical component. The optical element comprises a light-receiving surface with first zones and a light-emitting surface with second zones, where the zones are configured to refract and reflect light in specific directions. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical support structures for each optical element, as the entire optical function is achieved within one monolithic component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a lens for refraction and a prism for reflection, all within one component. The first zones on the light-receiving surface and second zones on the light-emitting surface work together to achieve both refractive and reflective light distribution control, eliminating the need for separate optical elements and their associated mechanical supports.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used to control light distribution, then optical properties can be customized, but the positions of optical elements must be maintained with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single element with specifically designed zones. The first zones on the light-receiving surface and second zones on the light-emitting surface are configured to provide customized refractive and reflective properties. This merging maintains adaptability for custom optical properties while eliminating position accuracy requirements between multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element features different zones with different optical properties located at specific positions on the light-receiving and light-emitting surfaces. Each zone is designed to provide specific refractive or reflective characteristics, allowing customized optical properties without requiring multiple separate elements. The local variation in zone configuration enables adaptability while maintaining a single-component structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional lamp screens absorb light to smooth distribution, then light distribution can be smoothed, but light is lost and converted into heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the absorptive mechanism of traditional lamp screens with an optical refraction and reflection mechanism. Instead of absorbing light to smooth distribution (which converts light energy to heat), the optical element uses carefully designed zones to refract and reflect light, achieving uniform distribution while preserving light energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element acts as an intermediary that redirects light through refraction and reflection rather than absorbing it. The first zones and second zones serve as optical mediators that control light paths, achieving smooth distribution without the energy loss associated with absorptive materials.
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
Enables more flexible design of optical properties and consistent light distribution without the need for mechanical support, reducing light loss and improving the accuracy of light refraction and reflection.
Implementation Method 1
the convex areas are configured to direct at least a part of the light received at the first surface to at least some of the elevations
Implementation Method 2
Each of the at least some of the elevations is configured to turn at least a part of the light directed to the elevation under consideration substantially sideward with respect to the height direction of the elevation under consideration
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
An optical device for modifying light distribution comprises a light-ingress surface (101) and a light-egress surface (102). The light-ingress surface comprises convex areas (103, 104) and the light-egress surface comprises elevations (105, 106) so that the convex areas are configured to direct light to the elevations. Each eleva- tion is configured to turn at least a part of light directed to the elevation sideward with respect to the height direction of the elevation. The convex areas of the light- ingress surface make it possible to direct the light to the elevations in a controlled way and thus the optical properties of the optical device can be designed more freely than for example in cases where the light-ingress surface is smooth or has depressions corresponding to the elevations so that the material thickness be- tween the light-ingress and light-egress surfaces is constant.