Nested Interchangeable Reflectors for Variable Beam Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source devices have predetermined beam patterns that cannot be altered by users, limiting their adaptability to different applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of interchangeable reflectors that can be coupled to a single light source device, allowing users to change the beam pattern by overlaying or inserting different reflectors, which can be disposed within each other without the need for a face plate or bezel, enabling multiple beam patterns from a single light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional light source device uses a fixed reflector, then the device has a predetermined beam pattern, but the user cannot alter the beam pattern to suit different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested reflector system where a first reflector is disposed within a second reflector. The first reflector has an external surface that is disposed adjacent to the reflector surface of the second reflector, creating a compact nested arrangement. This allows multiple reflectors with different beam patterns to be integrated into a single light source device without significantly increasing device volume or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal light source device that can produce multiple different beam patterns by using interchangeable reflectors. The first and second reflectors are both couplable to the same light source device, allowing a single device to serve multiple lighting applications (e.g., spotlight, floodlight, narrow beam) without requiring multiple separate light sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflectors are used to provide different beam patterns, then beam pattern versatility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces structural complexity by nesting the first reflector within the second reflector. The first reflector's external surface is disposed adjacent to the second reflector's inner surface, creating a space-efficient arrangement. This nested configuration minimizes the overall device volume and simplifies the mechanical structure compared to using separate, non-nested reflector assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple reflector functions into a single integrated assembly. The first and second reflectors are combined in a nested arrangement where they share the same optical axis and are both coupled to the same light source device, creating a unified multi-functional reflector system rather than separate independent units.
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
Enables users to selectively change the light beam pattern to suit specific needs, providing versatility and flexibility in light distribution without the need to remove or replace the primary reflector, thus enhancing the functionality of light source devices.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector is adapted to dissipate light, focus the light into a beam pattern... the first reflector produces a first light beam from the light source device... the second reflector produces a second light beam different than the first light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A reflector device for a light source device having a light emitter, wherein the reflector device includes first and second reflectors. The first reflector has a first reflector surface adapted to produce a first light beam and the second reflector has a second reflector surface different from the first reflector surface and which is adapted to produce a second light beam different than the first light beam. The second reflector is adapted to be removably coupled to the first reflector such that both reflectors are coupled to the light source device at the same time. This allows a user to change a beam pattern of the light source between a first, default, beam pattern and a second beam pattern by interchanging the second reflector on the light source.