Multi-tier TIR Lightguide for Omnidirectional LED Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lighting solutions fail to achieve the efficiency and omnidirectional light distribution required to replace incandescent bulbs, lacking the ability to produce light in all directions like incandescent sources, which is essential for decorative and task illumination.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-stage lightguide system combined with multiple tiers of Total Internal Reflection (TIR) and refractive elements to disperse light over 325 degrees, mimicking the light distribution of incandescent bulbs, by redirecting and refracting light through a series of optical elements to achieve uniform illumination in all directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED sources are used to replace incandescent bulbs, then energy efficiency is improved, but light distribution is limited to Lambertian beam pattern with maximum dispersion of 180 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple functional stages: light collection, light guiding through TIR elements, light dispersion through refractive elements, and final omnidirectional distribution. Each stage handles a specific portion of the light path, collectively achieving 325+ degree distribution while maintaining high efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the two-dimensional Lambertian emission pattern of conventional LEDs to a three-dimensional omnidirectional distribution by introducing multiple tiers of optical elements that redirect light into vertical, lateral, and downward directions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tiers of TIR/refractive elements are added to achieve omnidirectional light distribution, then light distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tiers of TIR and refractive elements are nested within each other, with inner tiers positioned within the light paths of outer tiers. This nested arrangement achieves complex light distribution functionality while minimizing the overall optical path length and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements serve multiple functions simultaneously - for example, TIR elements both guide and disperse light, while refractive elements both focus and distribute light. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while achieving omnidirectional distribution.
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 high-efficiency LED lighting that matches the light quality and distribution of incandescent bulbs, providing a pleasing sparkle effect with uniform light distribution in all directions, overcoming the limitations of traditional LED optics.
Implementation Method 1
multiple stages of light guiding for remote source elongation and multiple-tiers of TIR, refraction, and scatter for remote source emission and control
Implementation Method 2
multiple-tiers of TIR, refraction, and scatter for remote source emission and control
Implementation Method 3
multiple-tiers of TIR, refraction, and scatter for remote source emission and control
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple-tier omnidirectional solid-state emission source capable of dispersing light in flexible distributions or custom-intensity distributions which throw more light forward, to the side alternatively, or in all directions. This optical light control requires multiple-surface manipulation of the directions of the light energy bundles emerging from solid-state light sources. Producing uniform light up to 325 degrees in the vertical direction through the combined implementation of multi-stage light guiding for remote source elongation and multiple-tiers of TIR, refraction, and scatter for remote source emission and control. Combining the efficient light production of an LED chip with that of a directly coupled optic results in high efficiency custom distribution to direct light where required. The optical light manipulator consists of a dielectric or reflector collector section, spline light-pipe section used to clear the cross-sectional area of a thermal dissipation device and a section which either externally, internally, or combinatorially feeds multiple-tier TIR/refractor elements.