Rotating Optical Elements for Variable Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for modifying light distribution patterns, such as those described in WO2006072885, require adjustment mechanisms that change the physical length of the device, which is undesirable for applications like embedded ceiling or wall structures.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a first and second transparent optical element with convex and concave surfaces that rotate around a geometric optical axis, allowing for varying light distribution patterns without changing the distance between the elements, supported by sliding surfaces for mechanical stability and reduced light attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment mechanism is used to vary the shape of the light distribution pattern, then the adaptability of the optical device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the second optical element rotatable with respect to the first optical element around the optical axis. This rotational movement dynamically changes the relative positioning of convex and concave areas between the two optical elements, thereby varying the light distribution pattern shape from narrow to wide without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The dynamic rotation enables continuous adaptability while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between optical elements is changed to adjust light distribution, then the adaptability is improved, but the physical length of the device changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning from axial adjustment (changing distance along the optical axis) to rotational adjustment (changing angular position around the optical axis). Instead of moving the second optical element forward or backward to change light distribution, the element rotates around the optical axis, changing the orientation of its convex and concave areas relative to the first optical element. This rotational dimension enables light distribution adjustment while maintaining a constant physical length of the device.
3Loss of energy
If convex and concave areas are aligned to compensate optical effects, then the optical efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the optical elements with self-aligning convex and concave areas that automatically compensate for optical effects when in the correct rotational position. The complementary geometric shapes of the convex areas on one element and concave areas on the other element create a natural alignment mechanism through their interlocking geometry, eliminating the need for external alignment mechanisms or complex control systems. The elements serve themselves by using their own geometric features to achieve optimal optical compensation.
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 flexible adjustment of light distribution patterns without altering the device's physical length, maintaining mechanical simplicity and optimizing optical properties.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element being a first piece of transparent material and comprising a first surface for modifying a distribution of light exiting the first optical element through the first surface, and a second optical element being a second piece of transparent material and comprising a second surface facing towards the first surface and for further modifying the distribution of the light entering the second optical element through the second surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An optical device comprises first and second optical elements (302, 303) rotatable with respect to each other around a geometric optical axis of the optical device. The first optical element comprises a first surface (304) for modifying a distribution of light exiting the first optical element, and the second optical element comprises a second surface (305) facing towards the first surface and for further modifying the distribution of the light. One of the first and second surfaces comprises convex areas whereas the other one of these surfaces comprises concave areas so that an optical effect of the optical device is changeable by rotating the first and second optical elements with respect to each other. The first and second optical elements comprise sliding surfaces (309, 310) for mechanically supporting the second optical element with respect to first optical element in radial directions perpendicular to the geometric optical axis.