Multi-LED Color Mixing Optic with Segmented Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-mixing systems for LEDs struggle to produce uniformly mixed light, especially when dealing with multiple sources of different wavelengths, resulting in inefficient illumination characteristics and sub-par performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a light pipe combined with a central and peripheral reflector, employing total internal reflection and selective metallization, to redirect and shape light into a collimated beam, with optional microlenses for further mixing, allowing for uniform light production and narrow beam angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light-mixing systems use textured surfaces to spread light, then light distribution is achieved, but illumination characteristics are sub-par and mixing uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The optic is divided into distinct functional segments: a light pipe for initial mixing, a central reflector for redirecting transmitted light, and a peripheral reflector for redirecting reflected light. Each segment performs a specific mixing or redirecting function, achieving uniform illumination through coordinated action of multiple specialized components rather than a single textured surface
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the reflectors. It pre-mixes the light before it reaches the reflector system, creating a more uniform input for the subsequent reflection and mixing stages, thereby improving overall mixing uniformity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems mix light from multiple sources, then color mixing capability is provided, but the illumination characteristics remain sub-par
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths into a single integrated optic system. The light pipe and reflector system merges these separate light streams into a uniformly mixed output, achieving both color mixing capability and superior illumination characteristics simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The optic system is designed to handle multiple functions: it mixes light from single or multiple sources, combines different wavelengths, redirects light paths, and produces uniform illumination. This multi-functional design allows the same system to achieve both color mixing and high-quality illumination characteristics
3Manufacturing precision
If a light pipe with central and peripheral reflectors is used, then uniform light mixing and narrow beam angles are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe, central reflector, and peripheral reflector are merged into a single integrated optic component that can be molded as one piece. This integration reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the sophisticated light-mixing functionality, achieving uniform mixing without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 approach achieves uniform light mixing and narrow beam angles, enhancing light intensity homogeneity and color mixing, suitable for various lighting applications, including LED arrays, while being adaptable to specific mechanical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the reflective surfaces of central and the peripheral reflectors rely on total internal reflection for redirecting incident light
Implementation Method 2
a central reflector optically coupled to said distal end of the light pipe for receiving at least a portion of the light transmitted through the light pipe and for reflecting said received light
Implementation Method 3
The peripheral reflector is configured to redirect at least a portion of the light received from the central reflector to said output surface for exiting the optic
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present invention provides an optic, which comprises a light pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end about an optical axis, said light pipe being adapted to receive at its proximal end at least a portion of light emitted by a light source. The optic further comprises a central reflector optically coupled to said distal end of the light pipe for receiving at least a portion of the light transmitted through the light pipe and reflecting said received light, a peripheral reflector optically coupled to said central reflector for receiving at least a portion of said reflected light, and an output surface. The peripheral reflect is configured to redirect at least a portion of the light received from the central reflector to said output surface for exiting the optic.