Segmented Collimating Optical Element for Compact LED Luminaire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting systems face challenges in achieving high-intensity, uniform, and well-controlled light output while minimizing physical size, as they struggle to balance optical control with luminaire size constraints.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical element with a segmented light collimating surface, defined by geometric shapes such as concentric circles, which directs light through internal reflection to achieve a narrower beam angle and improved color mixing within a smaller footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the luminaire size is minimized, then the physical footprint is reduced, but the optical control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element's inner surface is divided into multiple segmented collimating surfaces, each with specific geometric shapes (concentric circles, hyperbolas, parabolas, etc.). These segmented surfaces work together to achieve superior light collimation and control within a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between small size and optical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional geometric shapes (hyperbolas, parabolas, ellipses) in multiple dimensions to create the collimating surfaces. This multi-dimensional approach allows the optical element to achieve high optical control capability while maintaining a compact luminaire size, as the complex 3D geometry provides enhanced light manipulation within limited space.
2Illumination intensity
If the beam angle is narrowed, then the light intensity is increased, but the internal optics size must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface is segmented into multiple collimating surfaces with different geometric configurations. Each segment contributes to narrowing the beam angle and concentrating light intensity without requiring a proportional increase in overall optics size. The segmented design allows efficient space utilization for achieving high intensity output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes various geometric parameters (hyperbolic curves, parabolic shapes, elliptical forms) to optimize the collimating surfaces. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the optical element achieves narrow beam angles and high light intensity while maintaining a compact optics size, resolving the contradiction between intensity and size.
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
This solution enables a narrower beam angle and enhanced optical control, resulting in higher intensity and uniformity of light output, while maintaining a compact luminaire size and reducing glare.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element includes an inner surface disposed axially around and at least partially enclosing the axis of the optical element, the inner surface at least partially containing the light within the optical element by internal reflection of the light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element for a light fixture is adapted to receive light from a light source and to direct the light toward a light-emitting surface along an axis of the optical element. The optical element includes an inner surface disposed axially around and at least partially enclosing the axis of the optical element, the inner surface at least partially containing the light within the optical element by internal reflection of the light, the inner surface being defined by at least two geometric shapes coaxially disposed with respect to the axis of the optical element.