Patterned Light Guide Ink for Flexible LED Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based light fixtures lack the ability to produce a wide variety of light distribution patterns without major modifications, as different applications require specific light emission directions and spreads.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device with a light guide featuring multiple types of non-fluorescent light extraction elements, differing in reflectance, transmittance, size, shape, and distribution density, which can be printed on the light guide to adjust light distribution patterns by varying their spatial arrangement and relative locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional LED fixtures use fixed light distribution designs, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different lighting applications is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating light extraction elements with varying properties (different sizes, shapes, densities, and optical characteristics) at specific locations within the light guide. This allows different regions of the light guide to extract light differently, enabling multiple light distribution patterns from a single fixture structure without requiring major structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying key parameters of the light extraction elements including size, shape, density distribution, and optical properties (reflectance, transmittance). By changing these parameters across different regions of the light guide, the system can produce various light distribution patterns while maintaining the same basic fixture structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light distribution patterns are achieved through multiple fixture designs, then each application gets optimized performance, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single light guide structure that can produce multiple light distribution patterns through the strategic placement and configuration of light extraction elements. This multi-functional approach allows one fixture to replace what would traditionally require multiple different fixture designs, simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light guide into multiple regions with different light extraction element configurations. Each segment can be independently optimized for specific light distribution characteristics, allowing the overall system to achieve multiple patterns while maintaining a modular manufacturing approach.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform light extraction elements are used throughout the light guide, then manufacturing is easier, but light distribution control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating light extraction elements with varying properties (different sizes, shapes, densities, and optical characteristics) at specific locations within the light guide. This allows different regions of the light guide to extract light differently, enabling multiple light distribution patterns from a single fixture structure without requiring major structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying key parameters of the light extraction elements including size, shape, density distribution, and optical properties (reflectance, transmittance). By changing these parameters across different regions of the light guide, the system can produce various light distribution patterns while maintaining the same basic fixture structure.
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
Enables the production of various light distribution patterns without structural modifications, allowing for flexible adaptation to different lighting applications by altering the light extraction pattern on the light guide.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first light extraction elements having a reflectance that is higher than a reflectance of any of the second light extraction elements
Implementation Method 2
each of the first light extraction elements having a light transmittance that is lower than a light transmittance of any the second light extraction elements
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device comprising: a light source; and a light guide that is optically coupled to the light source, the light guide including a plurality of first non-fluorescent light extraction elements and a plurality of second non-fluorescent light extraction elements that are printed on the light guide, each of the first light extraction elements having a reflectance that is higher than a reflectance of any of the second light extraction elements, each of the first light extraction elements having a light transmittance that is lower than a light transmittance of any the second light extraction elements, each of the first light extraction elements having the same shape and size as any other one of the plurality first light extraction elements, and each of the second light extraction elements having the same shape and size as any other one of the plurality of second light extraction elements.