Round Illumination Device Using Radial Waveguide Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat circular light guides can achieve unlimited collimation in the azimuth direction by increasing the light guide radius, but this results in an unwanted increase in thickness for highly collimated beams, compromising the slim appearance and requiring larger collimating optics, which is not ideal for applications needing controlled beam cut-off to comply with glare regulations.
Innovation Solution
A round illumination device with a waveguide comprising a first and second waveguide surface, a round entrance window, and a round edge window, featuring elongated structures parallel to the radius, which improves collimation in both azimuth and radial directions without increasing the thickness of the system by mixing light directions through reflection off these structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the light guide radius is increased to improve collimation in the azimuth direction, then the collimation performance is improved, but the thickness of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elongated structures (such as grooves or ridges) on the waveguide surfaces that extend in the azimuth direction. These structures add a new dimensional element to the light manipulation process, enabling collimation control in both azimuth and radial directions through a two-dimensional surface modification rather than simply increasing the radial size of the light guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide surfaces are segmented into multiple elongated structures distributed across the surface. These segmented structures independently manipulate light rays in specific directions, collectively achieving comprehensive collimation control without requiring a larger overall device footprint.
2Manufacturing precision
If larger collimating optics are used on the LED to improve radial collimation, then the beam control is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collimation function into the waveguide structure itself by incorporating elongated surface structures. This combines the light guiding and collimation functions into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate collimating optics and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated structures on the waveguide surfaces act as intermediary elements that manipulate light between the LED source and the final output. These structures serve as a mediating mechanism that achieves beam control without requiring complex external optical components.
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 provides a well-collimated beam with improved control over both azimuth and radial directions, maintaining a slim appearance while meeting glare regulations, by using elongated structures on the waveguide surfaces to enhance light collimation without thickening the device.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide arranged to collimate the radially generated light
Implementation Method 2
improves collimation in both azimuth and radial directions without increasing the thickness of the system by mixing light directions through reflection off these structures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a substantially round illumination device (1) comprising a light source (10) and a substantially round waveguide (20). The waveguide (20) comprises a first waveguide surface (21), a second waveguide surface (22), a substantially round waveguide entrance window (23), a substantially round waveguide edge window (24), and a central axis (100). The first waveguide surface (21) or the second waveguide surface (22) or both the first waveguide surface (21) and the second waveguide surface (22) further comprise a plurality of elongated structures (200) each having an elongation axis (201) substantially parallel to a radius (101) perpendicular to the central axis (100).