Optical Device Reflecting Surfaces Uniform Linear Illumination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination devices struggle to achieve uniform light distribution when illuminating long, linear or quadrangular regions, as they often rely on complex adjustments or dense arrangements of LEDs to disperse Lambertian light effectively.

Innovation Solution

An optical device featuring a light-transmissive member with a fan-shaped sector structure and strategically arranged reflecting surfaces that convert Lambertian light distribution into a more uniform linear or quadrangular light distribution by reflecting light along a circular arc, ensuring consistent luminosity across the illuminated area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If LEDs are densely arranged to disperse Lambertian light along a linear region, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device divides the linear illumination region into multiple segments, each served by a separate light source module. Each module contains multiple light sources arranged in specific patterns (e.g., triangular arrangements) that collectively cover the entire linear region, reducing the need for extremely dense single-row arrangements while maintaining uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangement of LEDs to two-dimensional planar arrangements within each module. Light sources are positioned at vertices of triangles or other geometric patterns, utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions to achieve uniform illumination without increasing linear density

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If multiple light source modules are arranged to form acute angles, then linear illumination region is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinear illumination regionVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric geometric arrangements of light sources within modules, such as triangular configurations with specific vertex positions. These asymmetric patterns are designed to collectively produce symmetric linear illumination when viewed from the front, resolving the conflict between achieving specific beam shapes and maintaining manufacturing tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes circular arc-shaped reflecting surfaces and lens arrangements to redirect light. By employing curved geometric elements with defined radii of curvature, the system achieves precise light distribution patterns while relying on robust geometric parameters that are easier to manufacture than sharp angular features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Illumination intensity

If complex adjustments are performed on light sources, then light distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary optical design by pre-positioning light sources at specific geometric locations (triangle vertices, circular arc positions) and pre-configuring reflecting surfaces with predetermined curvatures. This preliminary arrangement is optimized to inherently produce uniform linear illumination without requiring complex real-time adjustments or control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves uniform light distribution by carefully selecting and optimizing key geometric parameters such as light source positions, reflecting surface curvatures, and module spacing. By transforming the problem into one of parameter optimization rather than complex mechanical adjustment, the system achieves uniformity through design rather than active control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 optical device efficiently converts Lambertian light into a uniform light distribution suitable for illuminating linear or quadrangular regions, enhancing the brightness and consistency of illumination while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first reflecting surface disposed so as to reflect at least a part of first light to an arc-shaped first region surrounding a first axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second reflecting surface and a third reflecting surface that are disposed such that the second reflecting surface and the third reflecting surface meet each other on the first axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3587913B1Optical device and illumination device
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 NICHIA CORP
  • EP3587913B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3587913B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4
  • EP3587913B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6A

AI summary

An optical device (10) comprises: at least one first reflecting surface (31) disposed so as to reflect at least a part of first light (7) that has a light distribution having an optical axis (7a) parallel to a first axis (12), to an arc-shaped first region surrounding the first axis (12); and a second reflecting surface (23) and a third reflecting surface (24) that are disposed such that the second reflecting surface (23) and the third reflecting surface meet each other on the first axis (12), and such that the first reflecting surface (31) is disposed between the second reflecting surface (23) and the third reflecting surface (24).