Pulsed LED Fiber Coupling via Sequential Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for coupling light from LEDs into fiber-optic light guides are inefficient due to low power density and high power consumption, especially when using halogen or xenon lamps, and existing LED solutions struggle to achieve high light output, leading to increased complexity and dead times.
Innovation Solution
Operating LEDs in a pulsed and sequential manner with second coupling surfaces arranged on a closed track or grid pattern, allowing for high-power-density light coupling into fiber-optic light guides, eliminating the need for collector rings and minimizing dead times by synchronizing the second fiber-optic light guide with active LEDs, and using optical deviating elements for efficient radiation transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If halogen or xenon lamps are used for light coupling, then high light output is achieved, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters of LEDs by switching from continuous operation to pulsed operation mode. This allows LEDs to emit light with intensity comparable to xenon lamps while consuming significantly less power, as LEDs operated in pulses can achieve high peak power levels without the continuous energy consumption of traditional lamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic pulsed operation of multiple LEDs in sequence rather than continuous operation. By activating LEDs in pulsed sequences with synchronized timing, the system achieves high instantaneous light output for fiber coupling while maintaining low average power consumption, resolving the contradiction between light output and power usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are used for light coupling, then power consumption is reduced, but achievable energy density and light output remain significantly lower than xenon lamps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light source into multiple individual LED elements, each coupled to separate fiber-optic light guides. By segmenting the system into multiple LED-fiber pairs arranged in a circular or grid pattern, the patent enables sequential activation of individual LEDs, allowing high energy density to be achieved at specific moments while maintaining low overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed operation of segmented LED elements in sequence. Each LED is activated in short pulses at specific time intervals, creating high instantaneous energy density for effective fiber coupling while keeping average power consumption low. This temporal segmentation combined with periodic action resolves the contradiction between power consumption and energy density.
3Loss of energy
If optical fibers are moved close to LED chips or imaging optical systems are used, then coupling efficiency improves, but power density remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from spatial optimization alone to temporal-spatial optimization by adding the time dimension through pulsed operation. Instead of relying solely on physical proximity or complex imaging systems, the patent uses sequential temporal activation of multiple LEDs positioned around the fiber, achieving high power density through time-multiplexed operation while maintaining simple spatial coupling geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coupling system into multiple independent LED-fiber pairs, allowing each LED to be activated sequentially rather than requiring simultaneous high-power operation from a single source. This segmentation enables high instantaneous power density at the fiber input through temporal multiplexing while maintaining efficient coupling geometry.
4Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are operated simultaneously to increase light output, then illumination intensity increases, but dead times and power supply circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sequential operation of multiple LEDs rather than simultaneous operation. Each LED is activated in turn during specific time windows in a repeating cycle, eliminating the need for complex multi-channel power supply circuits while maintaining high light output through time-multiplexed emission. This reduces power supply complexity to simple sequential switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by overlapping the pulse sequences of adjacent LEDs or by using sufficiently short pulse durations with appropriate timing. This creates the perception of continuous light output while actually using simple sequential activation, avoiding both dead times and complex power supply requirements.
5Productivity
If LEDs are operated in pulsed and sequential manner with second coupling surfaces arranged on a closed track, then light output increases by factor of 50 or more, but constructional complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical coupling system into multiple discrete LED-fiber pairs positioned around a closed track or circular arrangement. Each segment (LED with its fiber) operates independently in sequence, allowing high light output through cumulative temporal multiplication while maintaining relatively simple individual unit construction. The segmented modular design reduces overall constructional complexity compared to a single high-power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic sequential activation of segmented LED units positioned on a closed track. By arranging LEDs in a circular or grid pattern and activating them in periodic sequences, the system achieves 50x or more light output multiplication through temporal accumulation. The periodic nature of the operation simplifies synchronization requirements compared to arbitrary timing schemes.
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 approach increases light output by a factor of 50 or more, reduces dead times, and provides uniform power output, enabling efficient coupling of high-intensity light into fiber-optic light guides while simplifying the power supply and reducing constructional complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Light sources to be coupled into fiber-optic bundles or optical fibers at present employ either halogen lamps or xenon lamps... Even though white-light LEDs have achieved considerable power levels
Implementation Method 2
each LED is assigned a first fiber-optic light guide with first and second coupling surfaces, light is coupled in via a first coupling surface of each of the first fiber-optic light guides from one of the LEDs, and the radiation of the respective activated LED emerging from the second coupling surfaces is transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
A method and arrangement for transmitting radiation emitted by LEDs operated in pulsed operation via at least one optical waveguide, wherein a first optical waveguide having first and second coupling surfaces is assigned to each LED, the first optical waveguides are in each case aligned, by their first coupling surfaces, with an assigned stationary LED, the second coupling surfaces are arranged on a closed path and a coupling surface of a second optical waveguide is assigned to the second coupling surfaces. In order that a high light power can be coupled into the second optical waveguide by means of the LEDs, it is provided that the second optical waveguide, in accordance with the clocking of the switched-on LEDs, can be aligned with the second coupling surface of a first optical waveguide from at least one switched-on LED.