Asymmetric Light Distribution via Shifted Optical Axis Prisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminating apparatuses for outdoor installations, such as tunnel lamps, face challenges in achieving asymmetrical light distribution while being thin and efficient, with issues like low reflectivity of metal panels and difficulty in fine light distribution adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical member with a plurality of prisms on its surface, including both reflecting and refracting prisms, allows for asymmetrical light distribution control by shifting the light source's optical axis relative to the reference axis, enabling precise adjustment of light distribution with reduced stray light and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If metal panels are used for light distribution control, then the apparatus can achieve light distribution control, but the reflectivity is low and light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metal reflecting panels with a plastic optical member containing prisms. This substitution eliminates the need for metal panel assembly and achieves superior light control through optical refraction and reflection within the prisms, reducing light loss while simplifying manufacturing through molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical member uses plastic material with embedded prism structures, combining the advantages of moldability (ease of manufacture) with optimized optical paths (reduced light loss). The composite design integrates light guiding, reflecting, and refracting functions into a single molded component.
2Length of stationary object
If the apparatus is made thin, then the installation space is reduced, but the light distribution control capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from controlling light distribution through spatial arrangement of multiple metal panels to using prism geometry and optical paths within a thin planar structure. The prisms create asymmetric light distribution through their angular configurations, enabling versatile light control without increasing thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical member contain prisms with different orientations and angles, creating localized light distribution characteristics. This allows asymmetric light distribution patterns to be achieved within a thin profile, with different areas of the apparatus performing specialized light control functions.
3Illumination intensity
If asymmetric light distribution is achieved using conventional methods, then the illumination requirements are met, but the device becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges light guiding, reflecting, and refracting functions into a single integrated optical member with prism structures. This consolidation achieves asymmetric light distribution without requiring multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining illumination performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical member with prisms performs multiple functions simultaneously: light guidance, reflection, refraction, and asymmetric distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall apparatus structure while achieving the required illumination patterns.
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 configuration results in a thin, efficient illuminating apparatus with improved light distribution control and balance between primary and secondary light distributions, enhancing the ability to meet specific illumination standards while minimizing light loss.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of prisms extending in one direction are provided on at least one among two principal surfaces of the optical member, the plurality of prisms include reflecting prisms that reflect light from a light source
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of prisms include refracting prisms that refract light from a light source that is disposed virtually so as to include an optical axis on a virtual plane that includes a reference axis of the optical member
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating apparatus includes a light source and an optical member that controls light distribution of light emitted from the light source in a forward direction. A plurality of prisms extending in one direction are provided on one principal surface of the optical member in regions on both sides when divided at a virtual plane that includes a reference axis. The plurality of prisms include reflecting prisms that reflect light from a light source that is disposed virtually on the reference axis and emit this light from the optical member. The light source is disposed such that its optical axis is shifted in one direction relative to the reference axis.