Non-imaging Optical Distribution Apparatus for LED Light Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-imaging optics systems are inefficient in distributing electromagnetic energy into predetermined image patterns, leading to significant energy loss and high costs, especially when using LED sources for applications like vehicle lighting and industrial illumination.
Innovation Solution
A light transforming method and device utilizing a Polytrimorphic surface, shaped through computer optimization, to redirect pseudo-collimated electromagnetic energy into specific intensity and angular distributions, achieving efficient energy transfer and reduced costs by minimizing energy attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simplified surface geometry is used in non-imaging optics, then device complexity is reduced, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical distribution apparatus is divided into multiple optical surfaces (first optical surface and second optical surface) with different functions. The first surface collimates light from the LED source, while the second surface redistributes the collimated light into the desired output pattern. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high energy transfer efficiency while keeping individual surfaces manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional simplified geometric surfaces to three-dimensional free-form surfaces with complex curvature variations. The optical surfaces are designed with continuous curvature changes that cannot be described by simple geometric shapes, enabling precise control of light redistribution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modern molding techniques.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED sources are used instead of incandescent lamps, then energy consumption is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical system parameters (surface shapes, curvatures, and configurations) to maximize the utilization of LED light output. By achieving superior energy redistribution efficiency (90% or more), the system extracts maximum value from the expensive LED source, reducing the total system cost despite the higher component price.
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging optical systems are used, then image quality is improved, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using imaging optics that preserve image quality at the expense of energy efficiency, the patent inverts the approach by using non-imaging optics specifically designed to maximize energy transfer. The optical surfaces are shaped to redistribute light into the desired output pattern without attempting to form images, achieving over 90% energy transfer efficiency while still meeting photometric requirements.
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 method achieves high optical efficiency, reducing energy consumption by up to 50% and costs, while maintaining high visibility and reliability, making high-performance LED lamps more accessible for various applications, including vehicle safety and industrial lighting.
Implementation Method 1
light from the source is collimated to produce the minimum spot size at the projection plane reasonably achievable
Implementation Method 2
a refractive surface and a reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
a refractive surface and a reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light transforming method and device that includes a lens having one or more specifically shaped surfaces designed to generate an output image by directing the appropriate amount of electromagnetic energy from a substantially collimated beam to the required regions of the output image for the purpose of recreating the output image. The lens has one or more non-imaging radiant energy distribution surfaces that is of a non-uniform. shape.