Radial LED Lighting Device for Uniform Fundus Camera Illumination
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lighting devices for fundus cameras are complex and lack optical efficiency, resulting in incomplete and non-uniform illumination when an emitting element malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simpler lighting device with LEDs emitting radially to a central optical axis, utilizing a reflection surface and collimation means like lenses or a light guide to create a tubular light beam, ensuring homogeneous illumination and compensation for malfunctioning elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional lighting device with multiple LEDs and collimation elements is used, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity increases and optical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into a light-transmitting central portion and an annular collar portion, with LEDs segmented into two groups (first LEDs on the collar, second LEDs on the support). This segmentation allows each group to contribute to different portions of the tubular light beam, achieving complete circular illumination while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple LEDs and collimation elements into a unified configuration where LEDs are directly mounted on the support structure. The first and second groups of LEDs work together to form a complete tubular beam, merging the illumination function with the structural support to reduce overall device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting devices are used, then illumination is provided, but optical efficiency is reduced due to complex light paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the collimation function from separate complex optical elements and integrates it into the support structure itself. The support with its central portion and annular collar acts as both the mounting structure and the light-guiding element, eliminating unnecessary intermediate optical components and reducing energy loss through multiple reflections and refractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary element that both holds the LEDs and guides the light. The light-transmitting material of the support mediates between the LED emission and the final tubular beam formation, simplifying the optical path while maintaining illumination efficiency.
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are arranged in a traditional configuration, then light emission is achieved, but uniform illumination cannot be maintained when emitting elements malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system with redundant LED groups (first LEDs on the annular collar and second LEDs on the support) that can compensate for each other. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one group malfunctions, the other can maintain sufficient illumination, preserving both uniformity and reliability of the tubular light beam.
4Speed
If complex collimation elements are used, then light directionality is improved, but structural simplicity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function with the light-guiding function. The support structure itself, with its light-transmitting central portion and annular collar, serves as the light-guiding element, eliminating the need for separate complex collimation components while maintaining precise light directionality for tubular beam formation.
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 enhanced optical efficiency and reliability by maintaining uniform illumination even if one or more LEDs fail, with a simpler design that can be applied across various optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
each emission direction A is radial with respect to a predefined optical axis B, being the lighting device provided with a reflection surface 13 facing the emitting elements 12 and configured to reflect the light, which is emitted in use by the latter, in a direction parallel to the optical axis B
Implementation Method 2
the light guide 17 and the emitting elements 12 are mutually configured and disposed in such a way that, in use, the light guide 17 preferably reflects and convey the light emitted by the emitting elements 12 in such a way to form a light tubular beam
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting device (10) having a support (11), a plurality of emitting elements (12) adapted to emit light, fixed to the support (11) and each having an emission direction (A) radial to a predefined optical axis (B). The lighting device (10) is provided with a reflection surface (13) facing the emitting elements (12) and configured to reflect the light emitted in use by the latters in a direction parallel to the optical axis (B).