Two-Stage Optical Lighting Unit for Beam Divergence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting optics systems suffer from high beam divergence and unwanted direct light components, leading to inefficient directed light emission and corona-like phenomena.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage optics system comprising a first conical beam splitter with inclined side surfaces for total reflection and a second optics for directed light emission, where the first optics deflects light to avoid direct components, allowing the second optics to efficiently direct the light in a controlled manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If CPC concentrators or TIR lenses are used for light concentration, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but beam divergence increases and direct light components appear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight coupling efficiencyVSAvoidbeam divergence

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into two separate optical elements: a first optical element (CPC concentrator) for light concentration and coupling, and a second optical element for beam shaping and directional emission. This segmentation allows each element to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between light coupling efficiency and beam divergence control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first optical element acts as an intermediary that pre-processes the light by concentrating and coupling it efficiently, then passes the processed light to the second optical element which performs the final beam shaping. This intermediary approach allows the harmful direct light components to be eliminated by the second element while preserving the efficiency benefits of the first element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If single-stage optics are used for directed light emission, then device complexity is reduced, but beam divergence and scattered light increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical system structureVSAvoidbeam divergence

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If apertures are used to reduce stray light, then scattered light is reduced, but light transmission is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescattered lightVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful direct light components and scattered light are extracted and eliminated by the second optical element through its specific geometric design, while the majority of the useful light transmission is preserved. This extraction approach removes only the harmful portions without blocking the beneficial light transmission, resolving the contradiction between stray light reduction and light transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration significantly reduces beam divergence and eliminates unwanted direct light components, achieving more controlled and efficient directed light emission.

Implementation Method 1

all light coupled into the first optical system can preferably be deflected at the side surfaces of the first optical system connecting the base regions to the apex; preferably by total internal reflection at these side surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The second optical element is further configured to couple light coupled out from the first optical element (preferably into the aperture) into the aperture and to emit it directed from the second optical element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3356731B1Optical lighting unit

Publication Date: 2020.01.29 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
Figure 4(a)~4(c)

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical lighting unit (10) with a first optical unit (20) that extends away from a flat base region (21) so as to taper into a tip (22) and a second optical unit (30) that has an opening (31) into which at least the tip (22) of the first optical unit (20) protrudes and is designed to couple light coupled out of the first optical unit (20) into the opening (31) and emit the light out of the second optical unit (30). The invention further relates to an optical lighting system (100) having at least two optical lighting units (10) according to the invention, wherein the first optical unit (20) and/or the second optical unit (30) are connected together by means of connection elements (101, 102). The invention further relates to a lighting device (1) having an optical lighting unit (10) according to the invention or an optical lighting system (100) according to the invention and additionally having at least one lighting means (2) for coupling light into the first optical unit(s) (20).