Polygonal LED Lens for Elongated Beam Shaping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based lighting systems for street lighting are bulky and require frequent maintenance, with a need for more compact and durable solutions that address issues of lighting uniformity, glare, and sky pollution while maintaining energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a polygon-shaped lens having side sections that reflect and refract light to form an elongated beam, allowing for compact design and efficient illumination distribution, combined with a lighting arrangement featuring a plurality of LEDs on a carrier for enhanced energy efficiency and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources (high intensity discharge lamps, fluorescent balloons) are used for street lighting, then lighting coverage and intensity can be achieved, but the lighting arrangement becomes bulky and vulnerable during windy weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional single light source system into multiple LED modules arranged in a specific pattern. Each LED module acts as an independent light-emitting unit, allowing the system to achieve the required illumination intensity through collective output while maintaining a compact overall structure that is less bulky than traditional single-source arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional point-source or linear lighting arrangements to a two-dimensional array of LED modules positioned at specific coordinates (x, y, z). This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables the system to provide comprehensive area coverage without requiring each individual component to be large, thus reducing the overall bulk of the lighting arrangement.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional light sources are used, then sufficient illumination can be provided, but maintenance becomes frequent and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source from traditional discharge lamps or fluorescent tubes to solid-state LED modules. LEDs have significantly longer operational lifetimes and higher durability, reducing maintenance frequency. The modular design allows individual LED modules to be replaced independently if needed, further simplifying maintenance operations compared to traditional single-source systems.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact lens design is implemented to reduce bulkiness, then the lighting arrangement becomes less bulky, but achieving desired illumination distribution and beam shaping becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single large lens for beam shaping and illumination distribution, the patent segments the optical function across multiple LED modules positioned at different spatial locations. Each module contributes to the overall illumination pattern, and their collective arrangement achieves the desired area coverage and distribution characteristics without requiring any individual lens to be large or bulky.
Solution Approach 2:
The compact lens design in the patent performs multiple optical functions simultaneously: it shapes the beam, controls illumination distribution, and directs light coverage. By integrating these functions into a single compact optical element rather than using separate components, the system achieves desired illumination performance while maintaining a space-efficient, non-bulky structure.
4Use of energy by moving object
If multiple LEDs are closely arranged to improve energy efficiency, then space utilization improves, but heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED array into multiple independently positioned modules with spacing between them. This segmentation creates thermal zones that allow heat dissipation pathways, preventing heat accumulation that would occur in densely packed configurations. The spatial separation maintains energy efficiency through optimal light output while managing thermal loads effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges LED modules in a three-dimensional spatial configuration rather than a flat two-dimensional dense array. This dimensional arrangement provides vertical and horizontal spacing that facilitates heat dissipation in multiple directions, allowing efficient thermal management while maintaining high space utilization and energy efficiency through optimized positioning.
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 solution provides a compact, energy-efficient, and durable lighting system with improved illumination distribution and reduced maintenance needs, suitable for outdoor applications like street lighting, while allowing for more LEDs to be closely arranged and cooled effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of side sections enclose the lens and are adapted to reflect and refract incident rays of the received light
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of side sections enclose the lens and are adapted to reflect and refract incident rays of the received light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical device (229) for forming a light beam, which optical device comprises a lens (330) having a top section (331) configured to receive light emitted by a light source (220), a bottom section (332) configured to allow the received light to exit the lens, and a plurality of side sections (333) stretching from the top section to the bottom section. The plurality of side sections enclose the lens and are adapted to reflect and refract incident rays of the received light. A cross-section (334) of the lens, in a plane perpendicular to a centre axis (338) stretching from the top section to the bottom section, has the shape of a polygon, which polygon is oriented in a lengthwise direction (335) and in a transversal direction (336) being perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the lens is adapted such that the received light exits the lens as a light beam formed to an elongated shape (5) at a predetermined distance (4) from the optical device. With the presented optical device, a compact lens enabling for a desired elongated illumination distribution is provided.