Omnidirectional LED Lamp with Arcuate Lightguide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lamps struggle to replicate the wide-angle, omnidirectional light distribution of incandescent lamps, making them unsuitable for direct replacement in many applications due to differences in light distribution and brightness uniformity.
Innovation Solution
The development of LED light emitting devices featuring arcuate lightguides with light extraction surface features and volumetric light scattering elements, which provide a more uniform and wide-angle light output, mimicking the omnidirectional characteristics of incandescent lamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional LED lamps are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but light distribution uniformity and omnidirectional output deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The LED lamp divides the light emission into multiple segments: LEDs arranged in a circular array emit light that is then distributed through a light guide structure with multiple extraction surfaces. This segmentation allows each LED to contribute to the overall omnidirectional pattern, achieving uniform light distribution while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from planar LED arrangements to a three-dimensional spherical or circular array configuration. LEDs are positioned around a central light guide, creating omnidirectional light emission in multiple dimensions. This spatial arrangement enables uniform illumination in all directions while preserving the energy efficiency of LED technology.
2Ease of manufacture
If typical LED lamp configurations are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but light distribution pattern deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transports light from the LED array, distributes it uniformly across the bulb surface, and shapes the omnidirectional emission pattern. This multi-functionality achieves complex light distribution patterns without requiring complicated manufacturing processes, as the light guide integrates several optical functions into a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs spherical or circular geometric configurations for both the LED array arrangement and the light guide structure. This curvature enables omnidirectional light emission and uniform distribution across the bulb surface. The spherical geometry is naturally suited for omnidirectional applications and can be manufactured using standard spherical molding techniques, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired light distribution pattern.
3Illumination intensity
If incandescent lamp geometry is used, then omnidirectional light output is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the incandescent filament mechanism (thermal radiation from heated tungsten) with LED electroluminescence (light emission from semiconductor recombination). This substitution maintains the omnidirectional light output characteristic of incandescent bulbs through the circular LED array and light guide configuration, while dramatically improving energy efficiency by eliminating the inefficient thermal conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters from thermal radiation (incandescent) to electroluminescence (LED). By using multiple LEDs arranged in a circle with controlled emission angles and a light guide with specific extraction characteristics, the system achieves omnidirectional output with much higher energy efficiency. The parameter changes include switching from single-point thermal source to distributed cold-light sources, and from isotropic emission to controlled directional emission that integrates to omnidirectional output.
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
These LED devices achieve a light distribution similar to incandescent lamps, enabling them to replace existing incandescent lamps and provide omnidirectional output suitable for various illumination applications, including residential lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a lightguide which is arcuate in shape... providing a more uniform and wide-angle light output
Implementation Method 2
light extraction surface features and volumetric light scattering elements, which provide a more uniform and wide-angle light output, mimicking the omnidirectional characteristics of incandescent lamps
Data Source
AI summary
An outcoupling optic and omnidirectional lamp are provided which enable an omnidirectional light distribution from a lamp with directional light sources such as light emitting diodes. Specific embodiments include the A-type lamp, A19.