Strip-shaped Convex Lens Array for Uniform Line Source Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing line source lighting systems suffer from glare, reflection glare, and uneven illumination due to the use of point light sources, which also lead to increased production costs and bulky designs.

Innovation Solution

A line source lighting system that incorporates a strip-shaped convex lens array and a lens to convert point light sources into continuous sub-point light sources, achieving uniform illumination and reducing energy attenuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a diffusion lamp cover is added to convert point light sources to line light sources, then glare and reflection glare are reduced, but the linear light source imaging becomes messy and fuzzy with uneven illumination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare and reflection glareVSAvoidillumination uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light transmission function by using multiple independent optical elements (convex lens array and concave lens array) instead of a single diffusion lamp cover. Each lens array performs a specific optical function: the convex lens array focuses light to form line light sources, while the concave lens array diverges light to expand the illumination area, thereby achieving both glare reduction and uniform illumination through divided optical paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved lens surfaces with specific radii of curvature to control light propagation. The convex lens array uses positive curvature to converge light rays into line sources, while the concave lens array uses negative curvature to diverge light uniformly across the illuminated surface. This curvature-based optical design replaces the flat diffusion lamp cover, enabling precise control over light distribution while maintaining line source characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple LED lamps are used to achieve line source effect, then the line source quality improves, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline source qualityVSAvoidnumber of LED lamps
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical elements (convex lens array and concave lens array) as intermediaries between the point light sources and the illuminated surface. These optical mediaries transform the light from a small number of LED lamps into a distributed line source pattern, eliminating the need to use multiple LED lamps directly. The lens arrays act as optical translators that convert point source emission into line source illumination while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of light propagation through the lens arrays, specifically the convergence angle and divergence angle, to achieve line source formation. By adjusting the curvature radii and spacing of the lens arrays, the system transforms the spatial distribution of light without changing the number of LED lamps, thereby maintaining low cost while achieving high line source quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If a bulky structure is used to achieve line source effect, then the line source quality improves, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline source qualityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the convex lens array and concave lens array are positioned in sequence along the light path, with each array contained within the overall compact housing. The lens arrays are arranged in a space-efficient configuration where the output of one array feeds into the input of the next, creating a compact nested structure that achieves line source quality without requiring excessive device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-plane diffusion approach to a two-stage optical processing approach in different spatial dimensions. The convex lens array operates in one dimensional plane to form line sources, while the concave lens array operates in a subsequent plane to expand illumination. This dimensional separation allows compact integration of multiple optical functions without increasing device bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system provides uniform illumination intensity along the longitudinal direction, reduces energy loss, and enhances the light-sweeping effect, resulting in a more efficient and effective line light source.

Implementation Method 1

a strip-shaped convex lens array, disposed on the lamp holder and located in the light-emitting direction of the point light source for converting each point light source into a plurality of continuous sub-point light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the lens comprises a light transmission main part configured to focus a majority part of the light emitted by the point light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a light transmission secondary part disposed at an angle which is 90°-160° with one side of the light transmission main part to guide a minority part of the light of the point light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3779265B1Line source lighting system
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SELF ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3779265B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3779265B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3779265B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention discloses a line source lighting system, comprising lamp holder; printed circuit board; a plurality of point light sources; at least one lens, located in a light-emitting direction of the point light source for adjusting the light distribution of the point light source on a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the lamp holder; strip-shaped convex lens array, arranged along the length direction of the lamp holder for converting each point light source into a plurality of continuous sub-point light sources, the sub-point light sources converted by the adjacent point source is connected or coincident. the invention adopts a strip-shaped convex lens array for diffusing light from the point source only in the length direction of the lamp holder to form a line source, which can well prevent the light from diffusing in multiple directions, so that the line source get purified.