Segmented Reflector Surface for Independent Light Intensity and Shape Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light distribution modification devices are limited in their ability to independently design the shape and intensity distribution of illumination patterns, as the shape of the reflector surface primarily determines both, restricting flexibility in achieving desired patterns.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reflector surface that undergoes a shape transformation involving division into longitudinal segments, sideways displacement, and connection-surface addition to form a stepped geometric surface, allowing for independent control of intensity and shape distribution, utilizing a geometric auxiliary surface for desired optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the reflector surface shape is designed to control intensity distribution, then the intensity distribution is improved, but the shape control freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surface is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones. Each segment can be adjusted separately to control both the intensity distribution and the shape of the illumination pattern independently, resolving the contradiction between intensity control and shape control freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector surface is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. By enabling real-time modification of the reflector geometry through actuators or adjustable elements, the system can independently optimize both intensity distribution and pattern shape according to different operational requirements.
2Shape
If the reflector surface shape is designed to control the shape of illumination pattern, then the shape is improved, but the intensity distribution control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reflector surface into multiple controllable zones, each zone can be independently adjusted to control the overall shape of the illumination pattern while simultaneously managing the intensity distribution across different regions, achieving independent control of both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the reflector surface are assigned different local properties or adjustment ranges. This allows certain regions to primarily control the shape while others control the intensity distribution, enabling both functions to be achieved independently through localized adjustments.
3Device complexity
If a simple reflector surface is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the design flexibility of illumination patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple simple segments rather than using a single complex surface. This segmentation approach maintains individual segment simplicity while achieving complex illumination patterns through coordinated adjustment of multiple segments, reducing overall device complexity while increasing design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A simple static reflector is replaced with a dynamically adjustable reflector composed of simple elements. The dynamic capability allows these simple elements to reconfigure into various shapes and configurations, providing high design flexibility without requiring a permanently complex structure.
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 design of illumination patterns with precise control over intensity and shape, accommodating various geometric shapes and patterns, including polygons and curved outlines, enhancing the versatility of light distribution modification.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector surface constituting a light propagation channel between the first and second ends
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a
AI summary
A device for modifying light distribution comprises a reflector surface (310) whose shape is at least partly based on a shape transformation directed to a geometric auxiliary surface (330). The shape transformation comprises i) division of the geometric auxiliary surface into longitudinal geometric surface segments (314', 315'), ii) displacements of at least some of the surface segments sideward so as to achieve a desired shape, and iii) addition of geometric connection-surfaces (316) between surface segments that are at least partly separated from each other by the displacements so as to form a stepped geometric surface corresponding to at least a part of the reflector surface. The geometric auxiliary surface can be select- ed according to a desired intensity distribution within an illumination pattern formable on a planar surface, whereas the shape obtained with the shape transformation can be selected according to the desired shape of the illumination pattern.