Optical Cover Structure to Block Reflections in LED Light Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting components suffer from undesired sharp lines or washed-out areas in the far field due to reflections of light at other parts of the component, which are mapped into the optical element's central region, degrading the luminance distribution.
Innovation Solution
The light-emitting component incorporates a cover designed to guide or reflect light away from the central region of the optical element, using features such as increasing thickness, reflective surfaces, light-reflecting layers, and optical bodies to prevent impingement of reflected and non-reflected light within the acceptance angle of the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light is emitted by the light source, then the optical element can project light into the far field, but reflected light from other parts of the component impinges on the central region of the optical element causing undesired sharp lines or washed-out areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes reflected light from the optical path by introducing a light-absorbing layer that selectively absorbs reflected light before it can reach the central region of the optical element. This separates the harmful reflected light from the useful direct light, allowing only the desired light to reach the optical element's central region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-absorbing layer as an intermediary element between the light source and the optical element. This intermediary layer selectively absorbs reflected light while allowing direct light to pass through, thereby mediating the interaction between light and the optical element to prevent harmful reflections from degrading the luminance distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If the cover is designed to guide or reflect light away from the central region, then unwanted reflections are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-guiding function into the existing cover structure by forming a light-absorbing layer on the cover's outer surface. This combines the protective cover function with the light management function in a single integrated component, avoiding the need for separate light-guiding elements and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a light-absorbing layer specifically on the outer surface of the cover in regions where reflected light would otherwise impinge on the optical element. This localized treatment addresses the reflection problem only where needed, rather than requiring complex modifications to the entire cover structure.
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 design enhances the luminance contrast and quality of projected light by preventing unwanted reflections, resulting in a higher quality luminance distribution in the far field.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element comprises, in the edge region that laterally surrounds the central region, a light-absorbing layer on the side of the optical element facing the connection board, wherein the light-absorbing layer is configured to absorb light
Implementation Method 2
the optical element comprises, in the edge region that laterally surrounds the central region, a light-reflecting layer which is arranged to reflect light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting component includes a connection board with a mounting side. The light-emitting component also includes a light source. The light source is fastened and electrically connected to the connection board on the mounting side. The light-emitting component further includes a cover which covers the connection board in places on its mounting side and laterally surrounds the light source. The light-emitting component additionally includes an optical element. The optical element has a central region which is arranged downstream of the light source on the mounting side of the connection board. A provision is made to prevent impingement of light in the central region of the optical element.