Multi-Branch Light Guide Module for Single-Source Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source modules with LEDs require multiple light sources to achieve desired illumination patterns, leading to increased power consumption and manufacturing costs due to the need for directional light guides.
Innovation Solution
A light source module design featuring a light guide with at least three light-guiding branches that extend along different directions, allowing light to exit along multiple axes from a single light source, reducing the number of required light sources and optimizing for small volume and low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to achieve desired illumination patterns, then illumination intensity and distribution are improved, but power consumption and device volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into multiple light-guiding branches (first, second, and third branches) that extend in different directions. Each branch independently guides light to different regions, enabling multi-directional illumination from a single light source. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive illumination coverage without requiring multiple light sources, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from planar light emission to three-dimensional multi-axis light distribution. The light-guiding branches extend along different directions including vertical and inclined orientations, creating illumination in multiple spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables a single light source to illuminate multiple planes and directions simultaneously, replacing the need for multiple light sources arranged in different positions.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to achieve desired illumination patterns, then illumination coverage is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-guiding functions are merged into a single integrated light guide structure. The first, second, and third light-guiding branches are formed as one piece with the light guide body, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate light guides and multiple light sources into a single compact component. This merging dramatically reduces device volume while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage through the multi-branch configuration.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to achieve desired illumination patterns, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single light guide structure performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components: it guides light in multiple directions, distributes light to different planes, and provides multi-axis illumination. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated multi-branch design, which can be manufactured as a single piece using injection molding or similar processes, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to assembling multiple separate light guides and light sources.
4Device complexity
If light exits from the same plane, then device structure is simplified, but illumination versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light-guiding branches are designed with asymmetric configurations extending in different directions rather than symmetric planar arrangement. The first branch extends in a first direction, the second branch in a second direction, and the third branch in a third direction that is not parallel to the first two. This asymmetric multi-directional design enables versatile illumination for different application scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
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 design enables efficient light distribution along non-parallel axes with a single light source, reducing the number of light sources needed, thereby achieving advantages in volume and power consumption while maintaining effective illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (110) having a light incident surface (IS) at one end and at least three light-guiding branches (111, 112, and 113) at the other end
Implementation Method 2
the light guide has a light scattering portion (114), and the light scattering portion and the third light-guiding branch (113) are respectively located on both sides of the plane
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module including a light guide and a light source is provided. An end of the light guide has a light incident surface, and the other end of the light guide has at least three light-guiding branches. The light-guiding branches respectively extend along different extending directions and each light-guiding branch has a light emitting surface. The light source is adapted for providing a light beam, wherein the light beam enters the light guide through the light incident surface and the light beam exits the light guide from the light emitting surfaces.