Removable Micro Lens Cover for Adjustable LED Beam Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting systems face challenges in achieving uniform color mixing across various viewing angles, heat management, and optical efficiency, particularly in high-power applications, where traditional methods result in inefficient light distribution and poor color uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A directional lighting system featuring a housing with a removable transmissive cover comprising micro lenses that adjust the beam angle, combined with collimators and a thermally conductive housing to manage heat, allowing for customizable beam angles and improved color mixing without lossy diffusion mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diffuser is used to scatter light from various sources, then color mixing is improved, but beam angle becomes wide and light directionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light distribution function into separate components: individual light sources maintain their directional emission patterns while a separate diffusing element handles color mixing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other, achieving both narrow beam angle and uniform color mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary diffusing element positioned between the directional light sources and the output beam. This intermediary component performs the color mixing function without scattering light in all directions, thereby maintaining beam directionality while improving color uniformity.
2Reliability
If light is reflected or bounced off several surfaces to improve color mixing, then color uniformity improves, but optical efficiency decreases due to associated losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color mixing function from the light path and implements it through a dedicated diffusing element that does not require multiple reflections. By taking out the mixing function and implementing it directly, the patent eliminates the optical losses associated with multiple surface reflections while maintaining color uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflection-based color mixing system with an optical diffusion-based system. Instead of using multiple reflective surfaces that cause energy loss, the patent uses a diffusing element that mixes colors through light scattering without requiring multiple bounces, thereby reducing optical efficiency losses.
3Reliability
If intermediate diffusion mechanisms are used to mix colors of light, then color uniformity improves, but optical efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic light distribution system where individual light sources can be independently controlled and positioned. This dynamic arrangement allows the system to optimize both color mixing and optical efficiency by adjusting the spatial distribution of light sources rather than relying on fixed diffusion mechanisms that inherently lose energy.
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 provides adjustable beam angles, enhanced color uniformity, and efficient heat management, optimizing light output while reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional diffusion methods.
Implementation Method 1
The cover comprises micro lenses shaped to determine an outgoing beam angle
Implementation Method 2
A collimator is arranged to receive light emitted from the light source and collimate the light
Implementation Method 3
combined with collimators and a thermally conductive housing to manage heat
Data Source
AI summary
A directional lighting fixture having a variable beam angle that is easily adjusted. One or more lighting sources are disposed within a fixture housing. A removable cover is disposed over the open end of the housing. The cover comprises a micro lens structure that defines the beam angle of the light that is emitted from the fixture. The removable cover, or in some configurations portions of the cover, can be easily replaced by the end user to achieve a desired beam angle.