TIR Collimator Rejection Area Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TIR collimators exhibit non-uniform cone angles in light emission, resulting in spotty illumination with bright spots and dark areas, particularly noticeable in spot lamps with multiple light sources.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a central light entry surface surrounded by a rejection area that prevents light from exiting through the second side, using a light-deflecting portion to direct light through total internal reflection, ensuring a well-collimated beam is emitted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a TIR collimator uses a central collimating portion and a TIR surface, then light collimation is achieved, but non-uniform cone angles are produced causing spotty illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a rejection area with specific light-deflecting properties surrounding the central light entry surface. This rejection area has different optical functionality compared to other regions - it actively deflects light away from the exit surface using total internal reflection, while the central region allows direct light transmission. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring uniform light distribution through strategic local modifications rather than uniform treatment across the entire collimator surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of light rays that would otherwise create spotty illumination patterns into a beneficial outcome. By introducing the rejection area that deflects these problematic light rays through total internal reflection, the design transforms what would be harmful non-uniform emission into uniform illumination. The light-deflecting portion surrounding the central entry surface redirects light in a controlled manner, converting the spotty pattern problem into a solution that enhances overall uniformity.
2Quantity of substance
If the central light entry surface is made larger to increase light output, then more light is emitted, but cone angle non-uniformity increases causing more pronounced bright spots
Solution Approach 1:
The rejection area implements local quality by providing region-specific light management. The light-deflecting portion surrounding the central light entry surface creates a zone with distinct optical properties that actively manages light distribution. This localized structure allows the central entry surface to be optimized for light collection while the surrounding rejection area compensates for potential non-uniformities, enabling larger aperture without sacrificing cone angle uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rejection area performs preliminary anti-action by preemptively deflecting light rays that would otherwise contribute to spotty illumination patterns. Before these light rays can cause non-uniform emission, the light-deflecting portion surrounding the central entry surface redirects them through total internal reflection. This preventive measure allows the central light entry surface to be larger without the detrimental effects of cone angle non-uniformity, as problematic rays are intercepted and redirected in advance.
3Ease of operation
If a rejection area is added to prevent light from exiting through the second side, then light control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rejection area functionality with the existing collimator body structure. The light-deflecting portion is integrated into the body surrounding the central light entry surface, combining the rejection function with the structural framework. This merging approach improves light emission control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the rejection area utilizes the existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rejection area implements self-service by utilizing total internal reflection, a natural optical phenomenon that occurs at the interface between materials with different refractive indices. The light-deflecting portion surrounding the central entry surface automatically deflects light rays through this physical effect without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex components. This self-service approach improves light control while minimizing increases in device complexity, as the system leverages inherent optical properties rather than requiring elaborate mechanical or electronic control systems.
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 minimizes spotty behavior by controlling light emission angles, providing uniform illumination and eliminating bright spots, suitable for applications requiring consistent light distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a total internal reflection surface provided at a side surface of the body, which is arranged such that incoming light falling on the side light entry surface of the recess is directed towards the total internal reflection surface so as to be subject to total internal reflection towards the second side of the body
Implementation Method 2
the light-deflecting portion is arranged such that incoming light entering the light-deflecting portion is directed towards the second side with an angle larger than a total reflection critical angle. This implies that the lightdeflecting portion controls incoming light such that it is prevented from exiting the body through the second side due to a total internal reflection occurring in the second side surface
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An optical system for collimation of incoming light, comprising: a body (102); a recess (110) formed on a first side (104) of the body (102), the recess (110) having a central light entry surface (114) and a side light entry surface (112); a central light exit surface (118) provided at a second side of the body (108), which second side (108) is opposite to said first side (104); said central light entry surface (114) being arranged in relation to the central light exit surface (118) such that incoming light falling on the central light entry surface (114) is directed to the central light exit surface (118), a total internal reflection surface (116) provided at a side surface of the body (102), which is arranged such that incoming light falling on the side light entry surface (112) of the recess (110) is directed towards the total internal reflection surface (116) so as to be subject to total internal reflection towards the second side (108) of the body (102); and a rejection area (120) surrounding said central light entry surface (114), said rejection area (120) being configured to prevent incoming light to exit said body (102) through said second side (108).