Non-spherical Refractive Optical Element for LED Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED light units for passenger transport vehicles, such as aircraft, struggle to efficiently meet strict light intensity distribution regulations due to complex optical structures that consume excessive energy and are not energy-efficient.
Innovation Solution
An LED light unit with a refractive optical element having non-spherical inner and outer surfaces that transform the source-side light intensity distribution into desired light intensity distributions in specific cross-sectional planes, reducing the need for additional optical elements and allowing for the use of less powerful LEDs, potentially even a single LED, to meet regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex optical structures comprising various LED's, reflectors and shutters are used to satisfy strict light intensity distribution regulations, then the light intensity distribution requirements are met, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the refractive optical element (inner surface and outer surface shapes) to transform the light intensity distribution. By optimizing the curvature and profile parameters of these surfaces, the system achieves compliant light distribution with fewer LEDs and reduced power consumption, directly resolving the contradiction between meeting regulatory requirements and improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical structures (reflectors, shutters, multiple LED arrays) with a refractive optical element that uses refraction physics to control light distribution. This substitution eliminates the need for moving mechanical parts and complex multi-LED configurations, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining compliance with light intensity distribution regulations
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LED's and complex optical structures are used to meet light intensity regulations, then the required light intensity distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical elements (reflectors, shutters, multiple LEDs) into a single integrated refractive optical element with specifically shaped inner and outer surfaces. This consolidation achieves the same light intensity distribution compliance with a simpler, more compact structure, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining required illumination performance
Solution Approach 2:
The refractive optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transforms light from the LED source, controls the intensity distribution, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements all through its geometric design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the required illumination intensity distribution
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 enables efficient use of LED light capacity, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies production, while ensuring compliance with light intensity regulations by adapting the light distribution to exactly meet or slightly exceed required levels, thereby minimizing the number and power of LEDs needed.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive optical element having an inner surface and an outer surface, with at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface being non-spherical, the refractive optical element being arranged over the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
An LED light unit (2), in particular for a passenger transport vehicle, such as an aircraft, a road vehicle, a ship or a rail car, has a desired light intensity distribution (LI des,ver , LI des,hor ), emitted from the LED light unit in operation. The LED light unit (2) comprises a support portion (4), a light source (6) having at least one LED, the light source (6) being arranged on the support portion (4) and having a source-side light intensity distribution (LIss), and a refractive optical element (8) having an inner surface (82) and an outer surface (84), with at least one of the inner surface (82) and the outer surface (84) being non-spherical, the refractive optical element being arranged over the light source (6) and being attached to the support portion (4). The desired light intensity distribution (LI des,ver , LI des,hor ) is defined by at least two cross-sectional light intensity distributions, the at least two cross-sectional light intensity distributions comprising a first desired cross-sectional light intensity distribution (LI des,ver ) in a first cross-sectional plane (86) and a second desired cross-sectional light intensity distribution (LI des,hor ) in a second cross-sectional plane (88), and the inner surface (82) and the outer surface (84) of the refractive optical element (8) are shaped such that they jointly transform the source-side light intensity distribution (LIss) into the desired light intensity distribution (LI des,ver , LI des,hor ).