Movable Microlens Arrays for Variable Light Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp optics arrangements face challenges in achieving flexible and variable light distribution due to the need for expensive stepping motors, manual adjustment difficulties, and limited control over light emission directions, which can be inaccurate and require multiple LEDs for each direction.
Innovation Solution
A lamp optics arrangement featuring collimation optics and microlens arrays that allow for relative movement, enabling scalable and precise control over light distribution with minimal space and cost, using a layered structure of first and second microlens arrays to adjust light emission directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stepper motors are used to adjust light distribution direction, then light direction control is achieved, but cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stepper motor system with an optical system consisting of a fixed light source, collimation optics, and movable microlens arrays. Instead of mechanically adjusting the entire luminaire or light source, the invention uses optical elements (microlenses) that can be moved independently to change light distribution direction. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive and space-consuming motors while achieving precise control of light direction through the relative movement of microlens arrays along the optical axis.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment is used to change light distribution, then no additional components are needed, but adjustment precision and accessibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic system where microlens arrays can be moved relative to each other along the optical axis. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows precise control of light emission direction without requiring manual intervention on the entire luminaire. The microlenses are arranged in multiple arrays that can be positioned at different locations, enabling fine-tuned adjustment of light distribution patterns. This dynamic optical system provides both precision and flexibility while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LEDs are used for different light emission directions, then variable light distribution is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single light source serve multiple functions by using collimation optics to create parallel light beams that can be directed in various directions. Instead of requiring separate LEDs for each emission direction, the invention uses one or a few light sources whose light is collimated and then distributed by movable microlens arrays. These microlenses act as universal directing elements that can steer the collimated light into different directions and patterns, making the system adaptable while reducing the number of light sources needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces collimation optics and microlens arrays as intermediary elements between the light source and the target area. The collimation optics convert divergent light from the source into parallel beams, and the microlens arrays further mediate by focusing and directing these parallel beams into specific directions. This intermediary optical system allows a single light source to achieve variable light distribution that would otherwise require multiple LEDs, simplifying the overall device structure.
4Measurement precision
If microlens arrays are moved relative to each other, then light distribution is precisely controlled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into segmented microlens arrays that can be manufactured and positioned independently. Each microlens array consists of multiple microlenses arranged in a specific pattern, and these arrays can be moved relative to each other along the optical axis. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where each microlens array can be produced separately and then integrated into the overall system. The segmented design facilitates precise positioning and adjustment while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex optical element.
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 solution allows for simple and cost-effective variation of light distribution with minimal space requirements, achieving high efficiency and aesthetic flexibility by guiding light through microlenses with small relative movements of the microlens arrays, enabling precise control over light emission directions.
Implementation Method 1
a collimation optics for the substantially parallel emission (i.e. collimation) of light introduced into the collimation optics by a light source
Implementation Method 2
a first microlens array optically downstream of the collimation optics in the direction of parallel emission, with a plurality of first microlenses, in order to focus the light emitted in a parallel direction by the collimation optics
Implementation Method 3
each of which is assigned to a first microlens to form optical pairs of microlenses (i.e. microlens pairs). These pairs ensure that the light emitted by the assigned first microlens is focused onto the side facing away from the first microlens array and directed in a defined direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting optics arrangement (2) comprising a collimation optics (3) for the parallel emission (L) of light introduced into the collimation optics (3) by a light source (4), a first microlens array (5) optically downstream of the collimation optics (3) in the direction of the parallel emission (L) with a plurality of first microlenses (50) to focus the parallel emission of light from the collimation optics (3) on the side facing away from the collimation optics (3) in a direction extending from the parallel emission (L), and a second microlens array (6) optically downstream of the first microlens array (5) in the direction extending from the parallel emission (L) with a plurality of second microlenses (60), each of which is assigned to a first microlens to form optical pairs (P1) of microlenses (50, 60).to emit the light emitted in a focused manner by the associated first microlens on the side facing away from the first microlens array (5) in a defined direction of light emission (D), wherein the microlens arrays (5, 6) are arranged to be movable relative to each other at least in one direction (Q) transverse to the direction of the parallel light emission (L) such that the defined direction of light emission (D) is changed by their relative movement to each other. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a luminaire (1) with the luminaire optics arrangement (2) according to the invention and a light source (4).