Non-imaging Lens Segmentation for Homogeneous Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in achieving homogeneous illumination of target areas with non-standard contours and dimensions, particularly in cramped installations where multiple optical elements cannot be used, leading to inhomogeneities and illumination deficits, especially when the radiator's lens has a different outer contour than the target area.
Innovation Solution
A radiator with a non-imaging lens featuring multiple shell segments that irradiate larger surface areas than their own, allowing for uniform illumination by forming both direct and indirect light beams, which can be superimposed to achieve desired light distribution, even in areas with predetermined installation constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single lens is used to shape the beam in confined spaces, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the illumination homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple shell segments distributed around its circumference, each designed as a totally reflecting free-form segment. This segmentation allows each segment to independently control light distribution while collectively achieving homogeneous illumination across the target area, resolving the contradiction between compact single-lens design and illumination uniformity.
2Ease of operation
If the lens outer contour is adapted to the installation environment, then the ease of installation is improved, but the ability to illuminate different target area contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into multiple independently controllable shell segments that can be configured to illuminate different target area shapes (rectangular, triangular, circular) while maintaining a standardized lens outer contour for consistent installation, thus achieving both ease of installation and illumination versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system enables dynamic adjustment of light distribution patterns by controlling different shell segments, allowing the same lens to adapt to various target area contours and illumination requirements without changing the physical lens structure or installation configuration.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple optical elements are used in series to achieve desired light distribution, then the illumination homogeneity is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions (beam shaping, light distribution control, homogeneous illumination) that would traditionally require separate optical elements are merged into a single lens through the integration of multiple shell segments with different optical characteristics, eliminating the need for series arrangement and reducing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens with multiple shell segments performs multiple optical functions simultaneously - it shapes the beam, controls light distribution patterns, and achieves homogeneous illumination across different target area contours, replacing what would otherwise require multiple specialized optical elements.
4Device complexity
If each shell segment illuminates only its corresponding area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each shell segment is designed with specific local optical properties (different reflection angles, surface geometries) tailored to its position, enabling it to illuminate a larger proportion of the target area than would be typical for an individual segment, thereby achieving homogeneous illumination without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell segments are configured to illuminate areas beyond their immediate angular correspondence, projecting light across the target area in a manner that creates overlapping illumination zones. This dimensional approach to light distribution ensures uniform coverage while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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 flexible and uniform light distribution across target areas with different contours, allowing for efficient illumination even in constrained environments, with each shell segment potentially covering twice the area it represents, and the combination of direct and indirect beams compensating for each other's deficits.
Implementation Method 1
the shell segments can be at least partially totally reflective and deflect light reaching the respective shell segment (10) on their outer circumference by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
A radiator with a non-imaging lens featuring multiple shell segments that irradiate larger surface areas than their own, allowing for uniform illumination by forming both direct and indirect light beams
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a light source (1) with at least one light source (2) and a non-imaging lens (3) for completely forming a beam of light (4) for illuminating a target area (5), wherein the lens (3) has on opposite end faces a preferably cup-shaped light entry surface (7) and a light exit surface (8), as well as several shell segments (10) distributed circumferentially, which are designed as totally reflecting free-form segments, wherein each of the shell segments (10) is designed to irradiate an area fraction of at least 2/n in the target area (5), where n is the number of shell segments (10) of the lens (3).