Tapered Optical Waveguide Light Extraction Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical waveguides face challenges in efficiently directing and extracting light while maintaining visual uniformity, as they rely on geometric shapes and materials that do not effectively control light distribution and extraction angles.
Innovation Solution
The use of tapered surfaces and intersecting optical waveguide bodies with strategically positioned LEDs and extraction features allows for controlled light reflection and extraction, enhancing light distribution and appearance by managing the angle of incidence and critical angle thresholds within the waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional geometric waveguide shapes are used, then manufacturing is simple, but light distribution and extraction control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide body is divided into multiple tapered sections with different angles, where each section controls light propagation in a specific manner. This segmentation allows precise control over light distribution while maintaining a manufacturable segmented structure rather than requiring complex continuous curves.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the waveguide are assigned different local geometries - specifically, the waveguide includes tapered sections with varying angles where each local region's geometry is optimized for its specific function in light guidance and extraction, enabling localized control of light properties.
2Productivity
If extraction features are added to control light removal, then light extraction efficiency improves, but visual uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Extraction features are selectively placed at specific locations along the waveguide rather than uniformly distributed, with their spacing, shape, and characteristics optimized for local extraction needs while maintaining overall visual uniformity through strategic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls light extraction not only through surface features but also by manipulating the three-dimensional tapered geometry of the waveguide body itself, using the waveguide's shape in the third dimension to control light propagation and extraction angles.
3Measurement precision
If tapered surfaces are used to control light reflection, then light distribution precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered surfaces are divided into discrete sections with standardizable angle ranges, making them manufacturable through conventional processes while still achieving precise light control through the cumulative effect of multiple segmented tapered regions.
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 approach enables precise control over light extraction and distribution, achieving desired illumination patterns and visual uniformity by optimizing the shape and material of the waveguide bodies, particularly through the use of tapered surfaces and extraction features.
Implementation Method 1
Light entering the bend element is reflected internally along an outer surface... In accordance with well-known principles of total internal reflectance light traveling through a waveguide is reflected back into the waveguide from an outer surface thereof, provided that the incident light does not exceed a critical angle with respect to the surface.
Implementation Method 2
Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection, and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical waveguide body having a first surface that includes one or more tapered portions displaced between an input surface and an end surface or edge of the waveguide body. A second surface displaced from and opposite the first surface may also include one or more tapered portions between the input surface wherein the furthest tapered portions of the first and second surface forms and end surface or edge.