Reflective Variable Spot Size Lighting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems with focusing features are limited in their ability to adjust lighting patterns and often have sub-optimal illumination characteristics, such as coherence, intensity, and uniformity, making it challenging to achieve desired spot sizes and patterns.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising an inner and outer reflector that are axially movable relative to each other, allowing for a range of positions from retracted to extended, which adjusts the flood spread and intensity distribution of the light, with the inner and outer reflectors configured to achieve specific intensity ratios and illumination patterns, including a central bright spot surrounded by a lower intensity annulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single reflector is moved to change spot size, then the spot size is adjustable, but the illumination characteristics are sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The single reflector is divided into multiple reflectors (first reflector, second reflector, third reflector) with different optical functions. The first reflector creates a flood beam pattern, the second reflector creates a spot beam pattern, and the third reflector combines these patterns. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each reflector's illumination characteristics while providing adjustable spot size through their combined operation.
2Illumination intensity
If reflectors are positioned to create focused spot, then intensity ratio improves, but flood spread increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different functional qualities. The first reflector is optimized for wide-angle flood illumination, the second reflector for narrow-angle spot concentration, and the third reflector for combining these patterns. By positioning these reflectors at specific locations and orientations, the system achieves high intensity ratio in the spot region while controlling flood spread through the coordinated action of multiple reflectors with specialized local functions.
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 system effectively adjusts the lighting pattern from a wide to a narrow beam, achieving high intensity ratios and improved uniformity, allowing for customizable and efficient illumination in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting system that includes an inner reflector and an outer reflector that are coupled for movement relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a lighting system is disclosed that includes an inner reflector extending from a proximal end to a distal end along an axis, where the proximal end is adapted to receive light from a light source and the distal end provides an exit opening (aperture) for the received light. The system can further include an outer reflector that is axially positioned relative to the inner reflector. The inner and outer reflectors are coupled for axial movement relative to one another to change the flood spread of the light exiting the lighting system.