Nested Bent Light Guides for Reduced Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting devices with bent light guides face limitations in maximum bending without light leakage, leading to compromised light distribution, especially when dealing with large emitting areas compared to available space.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device featuring a ring-shaped light guide unit with nested, bent light guides of reduced thickness, allowing for increased bending radius without light leakage, and a central cavity for improved light collection and distribution, along with wave-shaped or prism-structured output surfaces for enhanced sparkle effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the light guide is bent with a large curvature (small radius R) to fit limited space, then the device can accommodate large emitting areas, but light leakage occurs through the side surfaces compromising light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light guides nested within each other, with each light guide having a smaller cross-sectional area than the previous one. This nested configuration allows the light guides to be closely spaced, effectively reducing the required bending radius while maintaining structural integrity and preventing light leakage through adequate spacing between guides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single thick light guide to multiple thin nested light guides, effectively utilizing the radial dimension. By distributing the light guiding function across multiple concentric layers, the system achieves the required light collection from large emitting areas while maintaining small bending radii without light leakage
2Productivity
If a single thick light guide is used to collect light from large emitting areas, then light collection efficiency is improved, but the maximum bending radius is restricted preventing adequate bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single thick light guide into multiple thinner light guides arranged in a nested configuration. Each thin light guide can be bent more sharply than a single thick guide would allow, while collectively they maintain high light collection efficiency by covering the entire emitting area through their nested arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light guides are nested within each other in concentric arrangements, allowing each guide to be optimally sized for its specific function. This nested structure enables the outer guides to collect light from peripheral emitting areas while inner guides collect from central areas, achieving comprehensive light collection with enhanced bending capability
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 solution enables efficient light collection from the entire emitting area, improved light distribution, and a more filament-like appearance with reduced side light leakage, enhancing the overall performance and aesthetic appeal of the light emitting device.
Implementation Method 1
The maximum bending, that is the minimum radius R, of the light guide with no light leakage occurring from the sides is dependent on the thickness d of the light guide. The maximum of the ratio R/d with no light leakage occurring is also dependent on the refractive index of the light guide and its surroundings
Data Source
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AI summary
A light emitting device (1) comprising at least one light source (2), and a light guide unit comprising at least a first light guide (3) and a second light guide (4) each comprising a light input end surface (6, 31, 41) arranged to, when in operation, receive light emitted from the at least one light source and a light output surface (7, 32, 42), at least a part (8) of the first light guide and the second light guide near the light output end surface being bent in a bending radius (R), at least the first light guide of the light guide unit being ring- shaped in cross section, and the first light guide and the second light guide of the light guide unit being arranged in a nested relationship.