Optical Device Lens System Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices, such as wall washers, fail to provide uniform illumination of a predetermined area due to light scattering, resulting in glare and undefined illumination zones, and require high-profile luminaires, which limits integration in space-constrained environments and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a light source emitting a beam at less than 90° to a vertical direction, utilizing a lens system with a total internal reflection surface and a faceted surface to refract light, forming angles greater than 90° with the vertical direction, and a shielding device to confine the lens, ensuring uniform illumination by controlling light beam orientation and preventing dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional optical devices redirect light beam at 90° using lens systems, then light direction is changed, but illumination uniformity deteriorates due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different optical functions. The first zone redirects light at shallow angles, the second zone (with TIR surface) redirects light at intermediate angles, and the third zone redirects light at steep angles. This segmentation prevents light scattering while achieving uniform illumination distribution across the target area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are assigned different optical properties and functions. The central region redirects light at shallow angles to illuminate upper areas, while peripheral regions redirect light at steeper angles to illuminate lower areas. Each zone is optimized for its specific function to achieve overall uniformity without scattering.
2Illumination intensity
If light source is placed far from light output area to redirect beam perpendicular to emission, then light direction control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light redirection, beam shaping, and uniformity control) into a single integrated lens structure. The lens simultaneously performs all necessary optical transformations close to the light source, eliminating the need for separate optical components and complex assemblies required in conventional solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional 90° light redirection to a multi-dimensional approach where light is redirected at various angles (shallow, intermediate, and steep angles) across different lens zones. This dimensional change in light redirection strategy enables perpendicular illumination with a compact optical assembly.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional optical devices illuminate part of the ceiling, then light coverage is increased, but glare is generated and area definition is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lens precisely controls which areas receive light by assigning specific angular redirection to different lens zones. Light is directed only toward the intended target area (e.g., wall or floor), while ceiling areas are deliberately excluded from illumination. This local control of light distribution eliminates glare and clearly defines the illuminated boundary.
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
Enables high uniformity in illuminating a predetermined area perpendicular to the device, reducing glare and allowing for integration into low-profile luminaires, thus simplifying installation and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first total internal reflection (TIR) surface through which the light beam is reflected
Implementation Method 2
a second faceted surface comprising at least one first step defining at least one first section and one second section of said second faceted surface, wherein the second faceted surface is configured to refract the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical device comprising a light source that in turn emits a light beam, and that enables a predetermined area to be illuminated with a very high degree of uniformity in a plane perpendicular to said optical device, such that the orientation of the light beam is changed, illuminating only said predetermined area, where, due to the low profile thereof, the optical device enables same to be integrated into a luminaire with a reduced height dimension, which is also object of the present invention.