Optical Surface Protuberances for LED Color Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-output LED lighting systems face challenges in achieving uniform color distribution across large areas, particularly when using separate LEDs for different wavelength bandwidths, leading to distinguishable colors in the light pattern, which is undesirable for indoor lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical surface with alternating converging and diverging protuberances in two Cartesian base dimensions is used to mix different wavelengths, creating a light pattern with even color distribution by acting as a converging or diverging optical surface, effectively blending colors from multiple LED sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If separate LEDs for different wavelength bandwidths are used to illuminate large areas, then light output is improved, but color distribution becomes non-uniform with distinguishable colors in the light pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The optical surface is segmented into multiple protuberances (convex structures) that are spatially distributed across the surface. Each protuberance processes light from specific LED sources, dividing the overall light mixing function into multiple localized segments that collectively achieve uniform color distribution across the entire illuminated area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical surface are given different local properties through the strategic placement of protuberances. The protuberances create localized optical zones that mix specific wavelength combinations, with each zone tailored to contribute to the overall uniform color distribution when viewed from the front.
2Power
If multiple LEDs for different wavelengths are used, then light output is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate optical elements into a single integrated optical surface. Instead of using individual lenses or optical components for each LED wavelength, all wavelength mixing functions are combined into one surface with multiple protuberances, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light mixing element for different wavelengths, a collimating element for the LED beams, and a structural component that integrates multiple LEDs. The single optical surface performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
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 surface effectively mixes light beams of various wavelengths, producing a uniform light pattern with even color distribution across the illuminated area, enhancing the optical efficiency and reducing color distinguishability in high-output LED lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The two Cartesian base dimensions define a base surface, from which the first and second plurality of protuberances are deviations, which exhibit an area acting as a converging or diverging optical surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an optical surface which is able to mix different wavelengths into a light pattern which contains all wavelengths evenly distributed across the pattern. The novel optical surface (200) extends in at least two Cartesian base dimensions (X, Y), whereby a cross-section of the surface (200) taken in either of said two Cartesian base dimensions (X, Y) features a first plurality of protuberances (201) which extend to the same direction in a third Cartesian dimension (Z). The cross- section of the optical surface (200) also features a second plurality of protuberances (202) which extend to the opposite direction as the first plurality of protuberances (201) in the third Cartesian dimension (Z). The pluralities of protuberances (201, 202) form converging and diverging optical shapes for mixing different wavelengths scattering from the optical surface (202). The two Cartesian base dimensions (X, Y) define a base surface (203), from which the first and second plurality of protuberances (201, 202) are deviations, which exhibit an area acting as a converging or diverging optical surface such that each protuberance (201, 202) is separated by a section along the base surface (203) defined by said two Cartesian base dimensions (X, Y).