Multi-lens LED Array Optic for Preferential Roadway 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 complicates the light distribution and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lens LED-array optical system is developed, featuring a first lens configured to refract light towards the preferential side, with a second lens having a refracting and reflecting portion for total internal reflection, ensuring efficient light distribution along the roadway while minimizing the use of complex reflectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large complex reflectors or varying orientations of multiple light sources are used to achieve preferential-side illumination, then the desired illumination pattern is obtained, but the device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple discrete lens elements (first lens, second lens, third lens) with specific functions. Each lens segment handles a portion of the light distribution task, with the first lens providing initial refraction, the second lens providing additional refraction and the reflecting portion handling reflection, and the third lens providing final refraction. This segmentation allows complex light distribution to be achieved through simpler, modular components rather than a single large complex reflector.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lenses are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the LED emitter and the target area. These lenses mediate the light distribution by systematically refracting and reflecting light through multiple stages, achieving preferential-side illumination without requiring complex reflector geometries or multiple light sources in varying orientations.
2Productivity
If multiple lenses are used to achieve preferential-side illumination, then light distribution is optimized, but the number of optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated lens assembly. The first lens, second lens with reflecting portion, and third lens work together as a unified optical system that systematically directs light. This merging of functions into a coordinated multi-lens system achieves efficient light distribution while maintaining a compact, integrated structure rather than requiring separate, loosely arranged components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system utilizes multiple dimensions of light control through the stacked lens arrangement. Light is controlled in the vertical dimension through sequential refraction at multiple lens interfaces, and the second lens adds a reflective dimension to redirect light. This multi-dimensional approach to light control achieves superior distribution efficiency compared to single-plane optical elements.
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 directs light towards the preferential side with high efficiency, achieving desired illumination patterns in roadway lighting and other applications with reduced complexity and cost.
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
AI summary
A lighting apparatus including an LED light emitter having an axis. The apparatus comprising a first lens over the emitter a second lens spaced over the first lens. The first lens is configured to direct LED-emitted light primarily toward a preferential radial side with respect to the emitter axis. The first lens may be an asymmetric primary lens. The first lens may have a centerline which is offset from the emitter axis toward the preferential radial side. Alternatively or in addition, the first lens may have an outer surface configured to direct LED-emitted light primarily toward the preferential radial side. The second lens may be asymmetric and be configured to further direct the light primarily toward the preferential radial side. The secondary lens may include inner and outer surfaces each shaped to direct received light primarily toward the preferential side.