Omnidirectional LED Strip with Gap for Uniform Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED strips have a one-sided Lambertian luminous intensity distribution, making them inconvenient for use cases where they are free-hanging or not mounted on a wall or ceiling, as they do not provide uniform lighting and can appear distorted when twisted.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional LED strip design featuring an elongate body with a gap in front of the light source, allowing light to be distributed in all directions, achieved through a dual arch-shaped interface between the body and the gap, which reflects a portion of the light back towards the source plane, combined with a diffuse outer part for further homogenization and protection against scratches and dirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional LED strip with one-sided Lambertian luminous intensity distribution is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the lighting uniformity is poor and the strip appears distorted when twisted or free-hanging
Solution Approach 1:
The LED strip is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment containing a light source, optical element, and reflective surface. This segmentation allows each unit to independently contribute to omnidirectional light distribution, achieving uniform lighting while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-sided light emission to three-dimensional omnidirectional light distribution by incorporating optical elements that redirect light in multiple directions (upward, downward, sideways). This dimensional expansion eliminates distortion when the strip is twisted or free-hanging, as light is emitted uniformly in all directions around the strip
2Adaptability or versatility
If the LED strip is designed for one-sided light emission, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the strip is sensitive to mounting direction and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
Each segment of the LED strip is designed to perform multiple functions: light emission, omnidirectional light distribution, and distortion compensation. The optical elements and reflective surfaces work together to ensure the strip functions effectively regardless of mounting orientation, making it universally adaptable to wall mounting, ceiling mounting, or free-hanging applications without requiring different manufacturing processes
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 omnidirectional light distribution ensures uniform lighting regardless of mounting direction and twisting, providing a homogeneous effect over the strip's length and maintaining appearance without preferred orientation, while the diffuse outer part enhances light homogenization and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The second part may be reflected back by at least two total internal reflections at an interface between the elongate body and the gap
Implementation Method 2
a first interface between the elongate body and the gap, which first interface is proximal to the at least one light source and dual arches-shaped
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light emitting strip (10), comprising: an elongate body (12); at least one light source (16) adapted to emit light into the elongate body; and a gap (24) in the elongate body, which gap is arranged in front of the at least one light source, wherein the gap is adapted to omnidirectionally distribute, in a plane (26) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the light emitting strip, light emitted by the at least one light source. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a light emitting strip (10).