Optical Package with Parabolic Mirror for Torch Light Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional torches suffer from significant light loss and limited illumination distance due to inefficient light reflection and emission, particularly with LED light sources exceeding the outer diameter of the lens, resulting in low luminance and short illumination range.

Innovation Solution

An optical package comprising a light source, a mirror with a parabolic reflection surface, and a convex lens where the axes of the mirror and lens share the same line, allowing for optimal light reflection and reduction of light loss, featuring a movable installation socket and a conical support for improved light gathering and shadow conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a parabolic concave mirror is used to reflect light from the light source, then the light can be directed forward, but a large proportion of light from the upper circumference cannot be reflected and is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight lossVSAvoidlight reflection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reflection surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: a parabolic concave reflection surface for directing central light, and an oblique reflection surface for capturing and redirecting peripheral light from the upper circumference. This segmentation allows different portions of light to be handled by specialized surface sections, significantly reducing overall light loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a dimensional element by tilting the reflection surface at an angle (oblique reflection surface) rather than using only a standard parabolic shape. This angular dimension enables the capture and redirection of light rays that would otherwise escape from the upper circumference, converting previously lost light into useful illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If the torch structure is simplified with basic mirror and bulb components, then manufacturing is easier, but the illumination distance is short and luminance is low

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveluminanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the reflection surface are given different geometric properties: the parabolic concave portion for focusing and directing central light rays, and the oblique portion for capturing peripheral light. This local differentiation of surface quality maximizes light utilization and enhances luminance without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If LED light source is used with wide emitting angle, then illumination coverage is improved, but light exceeding the lens diameter is wasted and illumination distance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight lossVSAvoidlight coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The oblique reflection surface converts what would be wasted peripheral light (harmful factor) into useful illumination by redirecting these rays at angles that allow them to contribute to the overall light output. This transforms the excessive emission angle of LEDs from a source of light loss into an extended illumination coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 package effectively reduces light loss by up to 12% and enables long-distance illumination with enhanced luminance, allowing for rapid shadow conversion and secure locking of the light source position.

Implementation Method 1

at least one part of the projection of the reflection surface of the mirror on its axial section is in a parabolic shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a convex lens, wherein at least one part of the projection of the reflection surface of the mirror on its axial section is in a parabolic shape, the axes of the mirror and the convex lens share the same line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8746920B2Optical package and a torch having the optical package

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 MAX LUX CORP

AI summary

The present utility model discloses an improved optical package which includes a light source, an installation socket, a mirror and a convex lens, wherein at least one part of the projection of the reflection surface of the mirror on its axial section is in a parabolic shape, and the axes of the mirror and the convex lens share the same line. The installation socket can move along the axial direction of the convex lens and an installation depression is set at the front end of the installation socket, wherein the light source is configured in the installation depression, the emitting point of the light source is on the axis of the convex lens and the circumference of the installation depression is formed to be a reflection surface capable of reflecting the light emitting from the bottom of the light source.