Optic Module with Segmented Light Distributor for Collimated Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern lighting units with elongated light sources, such as LEDs and lasers, face challenges in producing a collimated beam due to their point source behavior, leading to high luminance variability with viewing angle and dazzling effects, and existing optic modules struggle to achieve collimation while matching the length of the light source.
Innovation Solution
A compact optic module comprising a block-shaped light mixing chamber and multiple light emitting flanges with an optically coupled light distributor featuring elongated light guiding structures, which aligns and redistributes light to produce a collimated beam without requiring alignment with the light source's pitch, allowing for a similar length design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional optic module is used to reshape light from an elongated light source, then collimation can be achieved, but the optic module length becomes significantly longer than the light source length
Solution Approach 1:
The optic module is segmented into multiple light guiding structures arranged in parallel groups, each handling a portion of the light from different regions of the elongated light source. This segmentation allows the light to be distributed and recollimated over a shorter distance, resolving the contradiction between achieving good collimation and maintaining a compact module length similar to the light source.
2Loss of energy
If the light receiving ends of light guiding structures are aligned in an alternating manner, then optical losses are minimized, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding structures are designed with self-aligning features where the alternating alignment pattern naturally guides the light from adjacent light source regions into the correct receiving ends. The structure itself provides the alignment reference, reducing the need for high-precision external alignment while minimizing optical losses through the alternating configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light receiving ends of light guiding structures have a pitch unrelated to the light source LED pitch, then alignment flexibility is improved, but coupling efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The light guiding structures are designed with a universal pitch that is unrelated to specific LED pitches, allowing the same optic module design to work with different light source configurations. The alternating alignment pattern and distributed light collection approach ensure adequate coupling efficiency across various LED pitches, achieving both flexibility and reliability.
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 solution effectively generates a collimated light beam with minimal optical losses, providing a compact and flexible design applicable to various light sources, including those with different LED pitches, while maintaining uniform light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a light distributor optically coupled between the light emitting side of the mixing chamber and the respective light entrance sides of the light emitting flanges
Implementation Method 2
the elongated light guiding structures of all groups have respective light receiving ends arranged next to each other so as to be aligned and optically coupled with the light emitting side of the block shaped light mixing chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optic module for reshaping light. The optic module has a generally block shaped light mixing chamber for aligning with the substantially elongated light source. The module also has a multiple number of light emitting flanges arranged next to each other mainly parallel to the light mixing chamber, running away therefrom. Further, the module has a light distributor optically coupled between the mixing chamber and the light emitting flanges. The light distributor has a multiple number of groups of elongated light guiding structures. Here, the elongated light guiding structures have respective light receiving ends arranged next to each other so as to be aligned and optically coupled with the block shaped light mixing chamber, and a light emitting end optically coupled to the light emitting flange. The light receiving ends of the groups of elongated light guiding structures are aligned in an alternating manner.