Multi-lens LED Array Optic System for Preferential Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting systems face challenges in achieving preferential-side illumination for applications like roadway lighting without using large complex reflectors or varying orientations of multiple light sources, which is desirable for efficient light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lens LED-array optical system with specific optical surfaces, including a first lens configured to refract light toward the preferential side, a second lens with a refracting and reflecting portion for total internal reflection, and a third lens to further direct light toward the preferential side, optimizing light distribution without complex reflectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large complex reflectors are used to achieve preferential-side illumination, then light distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical reflector systems with an optical lens system. The multi-lens arrangement (including aspheric lenses and cylindrical lenses) uses refraction and total internal reflection to achieve preferential-side illumination, substituting the mechanical reflector-based approach with an optical system that is more compact and easier to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lenses with specific optical parameters (aspheric surfaces, cylindrical elements, varying refractive indices) to control light distribution. By carefully selecting and combining lenses with different optical characteristics, the system achieves precise illumination patterns without requiring complex reflector geometries.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources with varying orientations are used to achieve desired illumination patterns, then light distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple functional lenses rather than using multiple light sources. Each lens serves a specific function (collimation, focusing, directional control) and together they achieve the desired illumination pattern. This segmentation of optical functions is simpler than segmenting light sources into different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system performs multiple functions simultaneously: collimating light from the LED array, directing it toward the preferential side, and controlling the distribution pattern. A single multi-functional optical system replaces what would otherwise require multiple light sources with different orientations and functions.
3Device complexity
If conventional LED lighting systems are used without specialized optics, then device simplicity is maintained, but light distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (the multi-lens assembly) between the simple LED light sources and the target area. This intermediary component transforms the omnidirectional LED output into directed preferential-side illumination, maintaining simplicity at the light source level while achieving efficient distribution through the optical mediator.
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 system effectively achieves preferential-side illumination with improved light distribution efficiency, reducing the need for complex components and orientations, thus enhancing illumination coverage and reducing light spillage off the roadway.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical surface which is a first-lens outer surface configured to refract light from the emitter
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting portion around the back sector, the reflecting portion positioned to receive light refracted by the back sector for total internal reflection (TIR) toward the preferential side
Implementation Method 3
a third optical surface which is a second-lens outer surface configured to refract light from the second optical surface toward the preferential side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Lighting apparatus (10) having a first lens (30) over the LED emitter (20) and a second lens (40) over the first lens, and including: a first optical surface (31) which is a first-lens outer surface (32) configured to refract light from the emitter; a second optical surface (50) which is a second-lens inner surface (41) spaced from the first optical surface; and a third optical surface (43) which is a second-lens outer surface (42) configured to refract light from the second optical surface toward a preferential side (2). One embodiment includes asymmetric primary and secondary lenses.