Optical element and shelf lamp with the optical element

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Solution Overview

Problem

In retail environments like supermarkets and shopping malls, the existing lighting systems for shelves often require multiple light sources and wires, leading to wire entanglement issues and increased costs, while aiming to provide uniform illumination on both upper and lower shelves.

Innovation Solution

An optical element with a rectangular light guide plate, parallel light lens group, and total reflection lens group that emits light on three sides, using a single light source to illuminate labels and goods, reducing the need for multiple light sources and wires by directing light through the guide plate and reflection surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are used to illuminate both upper and lower shelves, then the lighting effect is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting effectVSAvoidnumber of light sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a light guide plate to redirect light from a single source to illuminate multiple surfaces (front surface and side surfaces) of the shelf, achieving multi-directional illumination without adding multiple light sources. This transforms the lighting solution from multiple point sources to a single source with optical redistribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The light guide plate acts as an intermediary between the single light source and the multiple illumination targets (front and side surfaces). It captures light from the source and redistributes it through its optical structures to achieve uniform illumination across different surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple light sources and wires are used to power labels and illuminate shelves, then the lighting coverage is improved, but wire entanglement and safety issues worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidwire entanglement

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple light sources (for shelf illumination and label lighting) into a single integrated light source system. The light guide plate integrates both direct illumination and side surface illumination functions, eliminating the need for separate wiring for multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single light source serves multiple functions: illuminating the shelf from above, lighting up the front surface through the light guide plate, and illuminating side surfaces through total reflection. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized light sources and their associated wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If light is directed through the light guide plate and reflection surfaces, then the number of wires is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire configurationVSAvoidoptical alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide plate incorporates built-in total reflection structures and light extraction patterns that automatically guide light distribution without requiring external alignment or adjustment. The optical paths are designed into the structure itself, making the system self-aligning and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enhances lighting efficiency by emitting light on three sides with a single light source, improving the overall lighting effect on shelves while minimizing wire entanglement and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a parallel light lens group, disposed at a side of the light source setting portion near the rectangular light guide plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a total reflection lens group, disposed between the parallel light lens group and the first side surface, a part of the parallel light from the parallel light lens group is subjected to total reflection at least once

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11145225B2Optical element and shelf lamp with the optical element

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SELF ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An optical element includes a rectangular light guide plate, a light source setting portion, a parallel light lens group, and a total reflection lens group, disposed between the parallel light lens group and the first side surface, a part of the parallel light from the parallel light lens group is subjected to total reflection at least once to form a first parallel light parallel to the front surface, and the first parallel light enters the first side surface to make the second side surface emit light; another part of the parallel light from the parallel light lens group is totally reflected at least twice to form a second parallel light oblique to the front surface, and the second parallel light enters the first side surface to make the front surface emit light.