Mechanical-Optical Device for Uniform Arbitrary Light Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems fail to produce a uniform beam of electromagnetic radiation with arbitrary geometrical shape and adjustable intensity, leading to inefficient lighting and increased energy consumption in public spaces and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical-optical device with a converging input lens and a set of plano-cylindrical output lenses, allowing for adjustable orientation and focal length, enables precise control over the beam's shape and intensity by using a planetary system for rotational movement and a worm gear transmission, preventing radiation deformation and allowing for high uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional optical systems are used for illumination, then light can be emitted, but the beam cannot achieve uniform intensity distribution with arbitrary geometrical shape
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two distinct lens components: an input lens that receives light from the source and an output lens that shapes the emerging beam. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized for its specific function, enabling precise control over beam geometry and uniformity that cannot be achieved with conventional single-element optical systems.
2Illumination intensity
If light sources are used to illuminate public spaces, then areas can be lit, but energy consumption is high and light is emitted in unnecessary directions
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system directs light with spatial precision, creating illumination only in the specific target area rather than omnidirectional emission. This local quality approach ensures that energy is concentrated where needed, eliminating waste from light emitted in unnecessary directions while maintaining adequate illumination coverage.
3Shape
If conventional illumination devices are used, then light can be emitted, but the beam lacks sharp edges and precise boundary definition
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable optical parameters through the lens configuration, allowing dynamic control over beam characteristics including edge sharpness and boundary definition. This dynamic adjustability enables precise tailoring of the beam profile to achieve sharp edges and well-defined boundaries without compromising manufacturing feasibility.
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 device achieves significant energy savings (up to 80%) and reduced infrastructure costs by directing light only where needed, providing precise illumination with sharp edges and reduced light source power, suitable for various applications including public spaces, architecture, and specialized lighting.
Implementation Method 1
an input lens (3) in the form of a symmetrical plano-convex lens
Implementation Method 2
an output lens (4) in the form of a panel made of plano-convex cylindrical lenses (5) situated next to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The method of obtaining a uniform beam of electromagnetic radiation with arbitrary geometrical shape by means of lens optical system consists in that a source of artificial light (2) emitting light is connected to the electric power network and electromagnetic light rays (20) are emitted by the source; then, depending on the required light projection shape (23-27) and (34-36), a uniform beam of electromagnetic radiation is directed onto appropriate input lens (3), preferably a cylindrical plano-convex lens with fixed or adjustable focal length "A"', and the light rays (21) coming out of the lens are directed onto an output set of lenses or an output panel set of lenses (4) with fixed or adjustable position with respect to the input lens (3), i.e. inclined at angle "a" ranging from 0° to 75°, and after passing through the lens or the panel set of lenses (4), the rays are directed onto the desired plane forming the required shape of light projection (23-27) and (34-36) with sharply outlined side edges.