Multi-point to Single Point Optic for LED Color Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting fixtures using LEDs face challenges in mixing light from multiple sources to achieve desired color temperature and characteristics, particularly in creating white light with varying color LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point to single-point optic with partial elliptical bodies, where each elliptical body has a source focal point and a common focal point, allowing light from different colored LEDs at source focal points to mix at the common focal point, resulting in white light with a desired color temperature, and featuring a common outlet with a lens assembly and external reflector for directed light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs of different colors are used to achieve desired color temperature, then light mixing capability is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elliptical optical paths and curved reflective surfaces to redirect light from multiple LED sources. The elliptical geometry naturally focuses and distributes light from different colored LEDs, creating uniform white light output while maintaining color temperature control through precise optical path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of reflective surfaces and light guides that mediate between the multiple colored LED sources and the final output. This intermediary mechanism mixes the different colored lights uniformly before delivery, resolving the contradiction between color mixing capability and distribution uniformity.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are integrated into a single optic, then light mixing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources and their optical paths into a single integrated optic structure. By combining the functions of multiple LEDs, reflectors, and light guides into one unified component, the design achieves effective light mixing while managing overall device complexity through integration rather than separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optic structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it houses multiple LED sources, provides reflective surfaces for light redirection, acts as a light guide, and delivers the mixed light output. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving superior light mixing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a lens assembly and diffuser are added to the common outlet, then light distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a diffuser at the common outlet that modifies the light properties through scattering and diffusion. This diffuser element, while adding to manufacturing steps, provides critical light distribution control and aesthetic quality enhancement that justifies the increased manufacturing complexity through improved optical performance.
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
Effectively mixes light from multiple LEDs to produce white light with a desired color temperature and intensity, scalable for various applications, and enhances light distribution with a lens and diffuser for aesthetic and functional purposes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the partial elliptical bodies is substantially elliptical about a source focal point and a common focal point wherein light emitted from each light source is substantially mixed at the common focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting component having an optic is provided. The optic includes a body formed from a plurality of partial elliptical bodies. Each partial elliptical body is substantially elliptical about a source focal point and a common focal point. Each source focal point for the partial elliptical bodies is disparately located and each common focal point for the plurality of partial elliptical bodies is collocated. The body of the optic has a common outlet proximate the common focal point and a plurality of source inlets where each source inlet of the plurality of source inlets is proximate the source focal point for a corresponding one of the plurality of partial elliptical tubes.