Switchable Diffuser with Light Deflecting Elements for Dynamic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchable diffusers in lamps and luminaires have difficulty achieving a high degree of haziness, resulting in only slight effects on the output distribution when a collimated light source is used, limiting the ability to create drastic or noticeable changes in illumination profiles.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising an electrically switchable diffuser and light deflecting elements, where the collimated light source produces a narrow input light cone, enabling significant changes in light distribution by redirecting light when the diffuser transitions between states, with the light deflecting elements being strategically positioned and configured to enhance light scattering and redirection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a collimated light source is used with a switchable diffuser, then the device structure is simplified, but the ability to achieve high degree of haziness and drastic changes in illumination profile is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a switchable diffuser with light deflecting elements (such as microprisms or reflectors) to create a composite optical system. This merging of components allows the system to achieve high degrees of haziness and drastic illumination profile changes that neither component could achieve alone, while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses composite optical structures combining diffusing materials with light-deflecting structures. This composite approach enables the system to achieve enhanced light scattering and redirection capabilities, producing significant haziness effects and dynamic illumination changes.
2Device complexity
If only a switchable diffuser is used, then the device complexity is low, but the light distribution change is slight and not noticeable
Solution Approach 1:
By merging a switchable diffuser with light deflecting elements, the system achieves significant light distribution changes and dynamic illumination profiles. The combination creates a synergistic effect where the diffuser scatters light and the deflecting elements redirect it, producing noticeable and versatile lighting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves dynamic light distribution changes by combining the switchable diffuser (which can transition between clear and hazy states) with light deflecting elements. This creates a dynamically adaptable optical system that can produce drastic and noticeable changes in illumination profiles.
3Illumination intensity
If light deflecting elements are added to enhance haziness, then the illumination profile change is drastic, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflecting element is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central non-deflecting portion and outer deflecting portions. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions, achieving drastic illumination profile changes while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the light deflecting element have different optical properties - the central portion is non-deflecting while outer portions are deflecting. This local differentiation of properties allows the system to achieve complex light distribution patterns without requiring uniformly complex structures throughout.
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 combination of the switchable diffuser and light deflecting elements allows for major changes in the light distribution, illuminating previously unlit regions and providing more dynamic and striking effects, beyond the basic transition between clear and hazy states.
Implementation Method 1
electrically switchable diffuser capable of having at least a first state and a second state
Implementation Method 2
light deflecting element includes a central portion and an outer portion... the outer portion redirects incident light
Implementation Method 3
light deflecting element includes a microstructured surface
Data Source
AI summary
Optical devices are disclosed. In particular, optical devices including a collimated light source, at switchable diffuser, and at least one light deflecting element are disclosed. The electrically switchable diffuser, in combination with the at least light deflecting element can provide significant changes in the overall distribution of light at the electrically switchable diffuser is switched between two or more states.