Non-Planar Light Guide Cavity for Integrated Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices face challenges in integrating light emitting and sensing components effectively, as sensing components often interfere with light emission or block desired light, leading to complex designs, increased size, and inaccurate sensing results.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a non-planar light guide within a lighting module allows for a cavity where sensing components can operate independently of light emission, using optical sensors to collect directional information and adjust light output, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sensing components are integrated closely with light emitting components, then device size is reduced and integration is improved, but sensing components may sense emitted light causing inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a light emitting zone with LEDs and a sensing zone with optical sensors. The light guide structure creates separate optical paths that physically segment the emission and detection functions while maintaining compact integration, preventing emitted light from reaching the sensors directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary element that manages optical paths between the light emitting components and sensing components. It directs emitted light toward desired directions while preventing it from reaching the sensors, and simultaneously allows external light to reach the sensors for accurate environmental sensing.
2Measurement precision
If sensing components are placed to avoid emitted light, then sensing accuracy is improved, but light emission may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device are assigned different optical properties: the light guide has specific refractive indices and surface characteristics in different zones to either emit light effectively or guide sensing light, creating local optical quality variations that satisfy both emission and sensing requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional structure with a curved light guide that creates a cavity. This dimensional change allows sensing components to be positioned in a spatial configuration where they can detect external light without being blocked by the light emitting components.
3Reliability
If light guide structure is made non-planar to create cavity, then sensing and emission are functionally isolated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-planar light guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the light emitting surface, creates the cavity for sensor placement, provides optical isolation between emission and sensing zones, and guides external light to sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and may simplify overall manufacturing.
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 consistent and accurate optical sensing, allowing for efficient control of light output and improved light distribution, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining effective illumination and sensing functions.
Implementation Method 1
a non-planar light guide to create a cavity within which sensing components are configured
Implementation Method 2
using optical sensors to collect directional information and adjust light output
Data Source
AI summary
Light emitting modules are provided in which light emission and sensing functions are integrated into a single module. Example embodiments utilize a non-planar light guide to create a cavity within which sensing components are configured. Some embodiments provide for collection of directional information regarding light incident to the lighting module.