Multi-Stage Thin Film Optical Device for Wide-Angle Light Collimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices are not optimized for collimating and concentrating light rays arriving from diffuse or unknown directions, particularly those with wide ranges of incident angles, which limits their effectiveness in applications such as architectural lighting and power generation.

Innovation Solution

The optical device features a host medium with embedded thin film structures, arranged in multiple stages with varying aspect ratios and refractive indices, to refract and collimate light rays, reducing the range of incident angles and directing light towards a narrower, more consistent output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional optical devices are used for light collimation, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot effectively handle light rays with wide ranges of incident angles from diffuse sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle wide range of incident anglesVSAvoidoptical device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical device is divided into multiple stages, each containing an array of structures that progressively collimate light rays. Each stage handles a specific angular range, with the first stage capturing wide-angle diffuse rays and subsequent stages refining the collimation. This segmentation allows the device to effectively handle wide ranges of incident angles while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a multi-stage dimensional approach where light rays progress through multiple planes or stages of structures. Each stage is positioned at different depths within the host medium, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that systematically reduces the angular spread of light rays from wide incidence to narrow output angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple stages with varying refractive indices are used to improve collimation, then light concentration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight concentration efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing of multi-stage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent varies the refractive index parameter across different stages of structures, with each stage having a specific refractive index optimized for its collimation function. The first stage uses a refractive index optimized for capturing wide-angle rays, while subsequent stages use progressively different refractive indices to refine collimation. This parameter variation improves light concentration efficiency while the systematic approach to selecting refractive indices facilitates manufacturing by providing clear design criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If embedded thin film structures are used to reduce incident angle range, then light collimation is improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight collimation capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin film structures embedded within the host medium as the collimating elements. These thin films are positioned at specific depths and oriented at specific angles to efficiently redirect light rays. By using thin film technology, the device achieves effective collimation of wide-angle incident rays while minimizing the overall thickness of the optical device, as thin films provide high collimation efficiency per unit thickness compared to bulk optical elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables efficient collimation and concentration of light, providing consistent illumination and enhanced light transmission, reducing glare and variability, and is more cost-effective and maintenance-friendly compared to traditional systems, while maintaining performance in diffuse light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The structures may be formed of a material with a lower index of refraction than that of the host medium... refract and collimate light rays, reducing the range of incident angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10788180B2Light ray concentrator

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 TANG PAUL E

AI summary

An optical device and systems using an optical device are provided, where the optical device may be configured for collimating incoming light rays. The optical device may include a host medium substantially comprised of a transparent material and an array of substantially transparent structures embedded within the host medium. The structures of the array each include a convex side presented to the incoming light rays and a concave side that passes light rays through toward the output face of the host medium, collimating the rays. Multiple stages of arrays may be provided in the optical device, typically with lengthening aspect ratios and increasing indexes of refraction in a direction from the input face toward the output face. The systems may use the optical device for using an exterior light to illuminate an interior space in a building or to generate power.