Thin Light Controller Structure for Directional Privacy Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting devices lack the ability to effectively control or change the direction of light, which is necessary for privacy and safety considerations, such as preventing light from interfering with drivers.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device comprising a plurality of light emitting elements and a light controller with a first optical element, a second optical element, and a transparent element between them, allowing for the adjustment of light direction through the use of switchable diffusers and light shielding elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional light emitting devices are used without light direction control, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but privacy and safety requirements cannot be met as light cannot be controlled to prevent interference with drivers or unauthorized viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the light controller directly onto the light emitting elements, with the controller comprising optical elements (lens, prism, or diffuser) integrated in a nested configuration. This nesting approach allows light direction control functionality to be incorporated without adding significant external structural complexity, as the controller is positioned immediately adjacent to and integrated with the light emitting elements themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The light controller is designed as a multi-functional component that can achieve various light direction control functions (collimation, diffusion, directional steering) through a single integrated structure. The controller may incorporate switchable diffusers or selectable optical elements that provide multiple operational modes, allowing one component to fulfill multiple light control functions rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light direction control is added to meet privacy and safety requirements, then privacy and safety are improved, but the device becomes thicker and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film optical elements and flexible light controller designs that can be positioned close to the light emitting elements without requiring thick structural support. The controller may use thin diffuser films, micro-lens arrays, or prism sheets that provide effective light direction control while maintaining minimal thickness, thus preventing light interference with drivers while avoiding significant increases in device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in the vertical dimension to achieve light control, the patent utilizes lateral positioning and angular orientation of optical elements within the light controller. The controller steers light in specific directions through lateral refraction or reflection at optimized angles, achieving effective light direction control by exploiting angular dimensions rather than simply increasing the vertical thickness of the device structure.
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 device can collimate or diffuse light as needed, enhancing privacy and safety by controlling light direction, while also being thinner and having a simplified structure compared to traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
The light controller includes a first optical element, a second optical element and a transparent element disposed between the first optical element and the second optical element, and a thickness of the transparent element is not greater than 0.35 mm
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting elements and a light controller. The light emitting elements emit lights. The light controller is disposed on the light emitting elements for the lights passing through to form output lights. The light controller includes a first optical element, a second optical element and a transparent element disposed between the first optical element and the second optical element, and a thickness of the transparent element is not greater than 0.35 mm.