Rotating Convex Concave Lenslet Beam Shaper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated luminaires lack the ability to smoothly and continuously adjust the size and/or eccentricity of the constrained light beam, requiring discrete beam shapers for varying effects.
Innovation Solution
An automated luminaire equipped with an array of convex and concave lenslets that can rotate and adjust their separation along the optical axis, allowing for continuous adjustment of beam size and eccentricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete beam shapers are used to achieve different beam sizes and eccentricities, then the beam shaping effects are distinct and controllable, but the device complexity increases and continuous adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the beam shaper adjustable and reconfigurable. The beam shaper includes a first array of optical elements and a second array of optical elements that can be independently positioned along the optical axis. By dynamically adjusting the separation distance between these two arrays, the system can continuously vary beam size and eccentricity without requiring multiple discrete beam shapers, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the separation distance between the first and second arrays of optical elements along the optical axis. This parameter change enables continuous adjustment of beam characteristics (size and eccentricity) from a single beam shaper configuration, eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete beam shapers are used to provide varying beam effects, then different beam sizes and eccentricities can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to manual replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for manual replacement of discrete beam shapers by implementing a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The first and second arrays of optical elements can be independently positioned along the optical axis, allowing operators to continuously adjust beam characteristics through a simple control interface rather than manually swapping components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single beam shaper configuration serves multiple functions by incorporating both the first and second arrays of optical elements that can be independently adjusted. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace multiple discrete beam shapers, simplifying operation while maintaining the ability to achieve various beam sizes and eccentricities.
3Device complexity
If the beam shaper structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then the device becomes more manageable, but the ability to provide precise beam control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaper is segmented into two separate arrays of optical elements (first array and second array) that can be independently positioned along the optical axis. This segmentation allows for precise control of beam characteristics by adjusting the separation distance between the arrays, achieving both structural simplicity and manufacturing precision simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
By using parameter changes in the separation distance between the two optical arrays, the system achieves precise beam control without complex structures. The continuous variable parameter (separation distance) provides fine-grained control over beam size and eccentricity while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
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
Enables seamless and continuous adjustment of beam size and eccentricity, providing users with a range of beam shaping options without the need for multiple discrete beam shapers.
Implementation Method 1
The beam shaper includes an array of convex lenslets and an array of concave lenslets. The convex and concave lenslets have non-circular shapes when viewed along an optical axis of the first light beam.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated luminaire includes an array of light sources and a beam shaper. The array of light sources produces a first light beam. The beam shaper receives the first light beam and produces a second light beam. The beam shaper includes an array of convex lenslets and an array of concave lenslets. The convex and concave lenslets have non-circular shapes when viewed along an optical axis of the first light beam. The convex lenslets nest into the concave lenslets. The convex and concave lenslets rotate about an axis of rotation that is parallel to the optical axis and is located in the first light beam.