Two-Stage Solar Condensing Apparatus for Parallel Light Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current natural lighting systems face inefficiencies in converting and transmitting sunlight due to spreading properties of condensed sunlight, leading to optical loss and limited transmission distances, especially when using solar tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
A natural lighting apparatus that uses a first light condensing member to reflect sunlight to a focal region and a second light condensing member to convert it into straight parallel light rays, combined with a light transmission member and a hybrid illumination system that integrates with artificial lighting for energy-efficient indoor illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sunlight is condensed using conventional light condensing members, then luminous flux is concentrated, but light spreading occurs during transmission reducing transmission distance and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light condensing system by using a two-stage condensing process with different focal lengths. The first light condensing member (convex lens) concentrates sunlight to a focal point, and the second light condensing member (concave lens) recollimates the light into parallel rays. This parameter change in the condensing process eliminates light spreading during transmission while maintaining high luminous flux concentration, thereby improving light transmission efficiency and reducing optical loss.
2Productivity
If solar tracking lens systems are used to achieve high condensing efficiency, then light transmission is improved, but the system becomes complex and requires sufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of sunlight tracking and light condensing into a single integrated optical system. The first and second light condensing members are positioned at specific distances from each other (with the second member located at the focal point of the first), creating a compact combined optical system that achieves high condensing efficiency without requiring separate tracking mechanisms or large spaces, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
3Length of stationary object
If optical fibers are used for light transmission, then light can be transmitted, but transmission distance is limited to within 30 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses straight parallel light rays as an intermediary medium between the light condensing system and the transmission medium. By converting condensed sunlight into parallel rays through the two-stage condensing process, the system creates an optimal light form for transmission that can travel longer distances without significant spreading or loss, effectively extending the usable transmission distance beyond the 30-meter limitation of conventional optical fiber systems while maintaining transmission efficiency.
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 enhances light transmission efficiency by converting sunlight into high luminous flux parallel rays, allowing for longer distance transmission without optical loss and maximizes energy savings through strategic use of natural and artificial lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a first light condensing member reflecting incident sunlight to a focal region
Implementation Method 2
a second light condensing member disposed in the focal region of the first light condensing member to convert sunlight condensed in the focal region through the first light condensing member into straight parallel light rays
Data Source
AI summary
A natural lighting apparatus using sunlight is provided. The natural lighting apparatus includes a second light condensing device provided in a focal region of a first light condensing device to convert sunlight condensed in the focal region by the first light condensing device into straight parallel light rays through the second condensing device to provide sunlight having a high luminous flux to an indoor space. This natural lighting apparatus may be used together with an artificial illumination apparatus in a hybrid illumination system.