Stellate Beam Splitter Radial Light Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manipulating light emitted by LEDs fail to efficiently split a single light source into multiple radial beams suitable for optical coupling with light pipes or optical fibers, often resulting in complex, bulky, and costly assemblies with non-uniform light dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A stellate optical beam splitter system that includes a light cavity with radial arms, which concentrate light from a planar source into a radial array of output windows, allowing each window to act as a separate light source or be optically coupled to light pipes or fibers, utilizing transparent materials with an index of refraction greater than 1.4 to achieve efficient total internal reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mechanically separate reflector is used to redirect light from an LED, then light can be deflected at significant angles away from the symmetric axis, but the complexity, space required, alignment difficulty, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the reflector functionality directly into the dielectric housing of the LED, merging two previously separate components (LED and reflector) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for mechanically separate reflectors, reducing assembly complexity, space requirements, and alignment difficulties while maintaining the ability to deflect light at significant angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure for the LED die and simultaneously acts as a reflector through its molded exterior surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly.
2Shape
If the exterior surface of the dielectric casing is molded in the form of a convex or concave lens, then light can be transmitted in a roughly conical beam, but the dominant portion of emitted light cannot be focused at angles substantially away from the symmetric axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved surfaces (convex or concave lens shapes) on the exterior of the dielectric housing to control and shape the light beam. These curved surfaces refract and redirect light rays to achieve desired beam patterns while maintaining the ability to focus light at significant angles from the symmetric axis through proper geometric design.
3Illumination intensity
If convex planar or curved surfaces are used to diffuse light in a roughly radial direction, then light can be redirected away from the axis of the LED, but a uniform dispersion of reflected light consisting of parallel rays at a precise angle cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric housing is designed with different surface characteristics in different regions: certain areas have convex or concave curved surfaces for light concentration and directional control, while other areas have faceted planes or specific geometric features for uniform dispersion. This local variation in surface quality allows simultaneous achievement of light diffusion and precise angular control of reflected rays.
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 stellate beam splitter provides a compact, efficient, and flexible solution for splitting light into multiple beams, enabling uniform directional control and optical coupling, reducing complexity and cost while enhancing light transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing transparent materials with an index of refraction greater than 1.4 to achieve efficient total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A stellate beam splitter includes a light cavity for receiving a light source and a plurality of radial arms oriented around the light cavity, the plurality of radial arms oriented to concentrate light entering each of the plurality of radial arms at an end proximate to the light cavity and provide concentrated light at an end distal to the light cavity.