Slim Illumination Optics Using a Wedge Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination devices often require significant depth and space to efficiently direct light, which is a limitation in applications where compactness is desired, such as automotive headlamps, stage lighting, and electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A slim-profile illumination device design incorporating a wedge-shaped light guide with step portions, plano-convex lenses, and reflector elements that utilize total internal reflection and reflective coatings to collimate light efficiently, allowing for a compact and flexible optical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination devices use traditional optical elements (parabolic reflectors, lenses) to collimate light, then light direction efficiency is improved, but device depth and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple discrete optical elements (reflector elements, lenses, prisms) arranged in a layered structure. Each element performs a specific function (reflection, refraction, collimation) independently, allowing the system to achieve effective light direction without requiring a single deep optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional deep, axial optical paths to a planar, lateral arrangement of optical elements. Light is directed through a series of lateral interactions with optical elements rather than requiring deep axial traversal, effectively reducing device depth while maintaining collimation efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional optical elements are used to direct light, then light collimation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical element in the array is designed with specific local optical properties (reflectivity, refractive index, geometry) optimized for its position and function. This allows the system to achieve overall collimation through distributed local optimizations rather than requiring a single complex optical component.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical functions (reflection, refraction, collimation) are merged into a unified planar array structure where reflector elements, lenses, and prisms work together in a coordinated manner. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional illumination devices are designed for efficient light emission, then light output efficiency is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical optical systems (large parabolic reflectors, thick lenses) with a lighter planar array of optimized optical elements. The optical functionality is maintained through strategic arrangement and material selection rather than relying on mass and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are designed with optimized parameters (refractive indices, thicknesses, geometries) to maximize light output efficiency while minimizing material usage. This allows efficient light direction with reduced device weight compared to conventional designs that rely on larger, heavier 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 design achieves efficient light collimation and direction in a compact form, reducing the device's size and weight while maintaining stability and ease of manufacture, making it suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
A slim-profile illumination device design incorporating a wedge-shaped light guide with step portions, plano-convex lenses, and reflector elements that utilize total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
reflector elements that utilize total internal reflection and reflective coatings to collimate light efficiently
Implementation Method 3
plano-convex lenses, and reflector elements that utilize total internal reflection and reflective coatings to collimate light efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
Optics are provided for use in illumination devices the optics having a light guide, a redirecting layer including a plurality of lenses, and a plurality of reflector elements. Light from a light source enters the light guide and is guided therein until it escapes into a reflector element, which reflects at least some of the light received by the reflector element toward a corresponding lens for emission from the illumination device.