Nested Lens Assembly for Lighting Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices with multiple lens arrangements require mechanical intervention to change beam characteristics, limiting flexibility in achieving different light distributions and emission angles.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with nested lens bodies, each having a radiation entry and exit surface, where the lens bodies are radially arranged with a common plane for entry surfaces and spaced exit surfaces, allowing for independent radiation control and prevention of mutual influence through total reflection, enabling selective control of LEDs for varying beam angles and light distributions without mechanical changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lens bodies are nested in one another to achieve different beam characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam characteristicsVSAvoidlens arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing multiple lens bodies (first lens body, second lens body, third lens body) concentrically within one another, where each lens body has a different optical axis and beam angle. The innermost lens body is surrounded by the second lens body, which is in turn surrounded by the third lens body, creating a compact nested structure that enables multiple beam characteristics from a single integrated arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If lens bodies are arranged nested in one another to reduce size, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens arrangementVSAvoidlens alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent lens bodies, each with its own radiation source and optical axis. This segmentation allows each lens body to be manufactured and positioned independently, with each lens body contributing a specific beam angle (first beam angle, second beam angle, third beam angle) without requiring ultra-precise alignment of a single complex lens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If separate lens modules are used to enable interchangeable components, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens replacementVSAvoidmodular structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nested lens body structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides different beam angles for various lighting scenarios, maintains a compact overall size through concentric arrangement, and allows independent control of each lens body's radiation source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for interchangeable modules while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible generation of different beam angles and light distributions by selectively controlling LEDs, allowing for dynamic adjustment of light effects and emission characteristics without mechanical intervention, enhancing adaptability to various lighting situations.

Implementation Method 1

Each lens body is provided with coupling optics on its radiation entry side... The lens bodies are nested in one another, with a second, outer lens body radially surrounding a first, inner lens body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

allowing for independent radiation control and prevention of mutual influence through total reflection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3388741B1Multi-lens assembly for a lighting device
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 RZB RUDOLF ZIMMERMANN BAMBERG GMBH
  • EP3388741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3388741B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3388741B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multiple lens arrangement for a lighting device, wherein at least two lens bodies, each provided with a radiation entry and exit surface, are nested within one another, with a second, outer lens body (3) radially surrounding a first, inner lens body (1). According to the invention, each lens body (1, 2, 3) is provided with a coupling optic (7, 8, 9) at its radiation entry side, with a lateral, radial distance between the lens bodies (1, 2, 3). Furthermore, the lens bodies (1, 2, 3) with their respective radiation entry surfaces (7, 8, 9) form a common plane (11).