Semi-cylindrical Illuminator for 180-Degree Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination systems face challenges in achieving uniform light distribution across a wide angle of 180 degrees without significant light loss, especially in applications requiring high angles that violate total internal reflection (TIR) effects in refractive optics.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a cylindrical member with a conical structure and diffusers to internally reflect collimated light beams, spreading them uniformly across 180 degrees through total internal reflection (TIR) and diffuser technologies, minimizing losses with optional thin film coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If flat optics are used to achieve wide angle light distribution, then the viewing angle can be increased, but light loss increases significantly at high angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flat optical surfaces with curved surfaces, specifically using a cylindrical member with conical internal structures. The curved geometry enables light to be redirected at multiple angles through total internal reflection, achieving uniform 180-degree light distribution while maintaining high transmission efficiency. The cylindrical shape with conical reflectors creates optimal reflection angles that prevent light loss even at extreme distribution angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional refractive optical systems with a reflective system based on total internal reflection (TIR). Instead of using lenses or prisms that suffer from angle-dependent light loss, the invention uses the cylindrical member's internal conical surfaces to reflect light. This substitution of refractive mechanics with reflective mechanics eliminates the fundamental limitation of flat optics at high angles.
2Illumination intensity
If the viewing angle is increased to 180 degrees, then the field of view is expanded, but the light transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical member with conical internal structures provides a curved geometric framework that naturally guides light through multiple reflections to achieve 180-degree distribution. The curvature of the cylindrical surface and conical reflectors ensures that light maintains optimal incidence angles throughout the reflection process, preserving transmission efficiency even as the viewing angle expands to the maximum 180 degrees.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional diffusers are used to distribute light uniformly, then the light distribution can be improved, but hot spots and color diffraction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional diffusers that rely on scattering and refraction with a reflective system using total internal reflection. The conical surfaces inside the cylindrical member reflect light in a controlled manner, eliminating the random scattering that causes hot spots and color diffraction. This substitution creates uniform light distribution through predictable geometric reflection rather than chaotic optical scattering.
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 approach enables efficient and uniform light distribution across 100 to 180 degrees, overcoming the limitations of flat optics by maintaining high transmission efficiency and minimizing light loss, particularly suitable for applications like automotive and aerospace LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
light beams are internally reflected from a conical structure via total internal reflection (TIR) effects
Implementation Method 2
A diffuser, such as a 35° diffuser, can be applied to the cylindrical surface in the vertical direction in order to spread the light beam in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 3
The entrance and exit losses can be further minimized by a thin film coating if desired
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system converting light beams into wide-angle light transmissions including i) a cylindrical member having a cone-shaped depression in a distal end; and ii) a semi-circular member having an inner radial surface adjacent to a sidewall of the cylindrical member; and angled upper and lower annular surfaces extending from the cylindrical member and meeting at an outer radial edge. A light beam entering the proximal end of the cylindrical member strikes a first edge of the cone-shaped depression and is reflected out as a first light transmission; or it strikes a second edge of the cone-shaped depression, is reflected against the upper and lower annular surfaces, and exits the cylindrical member as a second light transmission parallel to the first diffused light transmission. At least one light path passes through a diffuser on the cylindrical member.