Pixelated Lightguide for Uniform Image Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightguides used in linear lighting devices often suffer from non-uniform light emission, particularly when trying to display images or patterns along their length, as the light extraction efficiency varies significantly depending on the direction of light propagation within the lightguide.
Innovation Solution
A lightguide design featuring a pixelated image on its major side, where the first elongated portion extending parallel to the optical axis is divided into an array of pixels, each containing a single light extracting structure, and the second elongated portion extending perpendicular to the optical axis is also pixelated, ensuring uniform light extraction and illumination across the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If continuous light extraction structures are used along the lightguide, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the light emission uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lightguide surface is segmented into discrete pixel regions instead of using continuous extraction structures. Each pixel is a separate light extraction unit with specific dimensions (e.g., 0.5mm to 2mm side length), creating an array of independent extraction points that ensure uniform light emission across the lightguide surface while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized pixel fabrication processes
2Device complexity
If light extraction structures are oriented parallel to the optical axis, then the structural alignment is simplified, but the light extraction efficiency varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different extraction configurations to different regions of the lightguide. Pixels located at various positions along the lightguide have their extraction structures oriented perpendicular to the light propagation direction, creating locally optimized extraction zones that ensure uniform light extraction efficiency across the entire lightguide while maintaining overall structural simplicity
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 design enhances the uniformity of light emission and illumination across the image or pattern, ensuring that the intensity of light exiting the lightguide does not differ by more than 20% from the average intensity, providing improved visual consistency and cosmetic effects.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel includes a single light extracting structure adapted to receive the propagating light within the lightguide along the optical axis and extract the received light transversely out of the lightguide
Data Source
AI summary
Lightguides including pixelated images, and methods of making the lightguides are provided. The lightguides include an image formed on a major side which is illuminated for directly viewing. The image includes an elongated portion being pixelated into an array of pixels. Each of the pixels includes a single light extracting structure adapted to receive the propagating light within the lightguide along the optical axis and extract the received light transversely out of the lightguide.