Variable TIR Electrowetting Lens Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting devices equipped with total internal reflection (TIR) lenses face limitations in varying beam shape and direction due to the need for external variable optics, which restricts the extent of beam shaping and steering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device incorporating a controllable electrowetting assembly surrounding a transparent lens with a high and low refractive index liquid, where electrodes respond to control signals to alter the position of the liquids within the electrowetting cell, changing the optical characteristics of the lens and allowing for variable beam shaping and steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a TIR lens is used to provide light with predetermined beam shape and direction, then the lighting device achieves stable and reliable light output characteristics, but the device complexity increases due to the need for external variable optics to vary beam shape and direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the TIR lens and electrowetting lens into a single integrated assembly. The electrowetting lens is positioned within the TIR lens structure, allowing both components to work together as one unified optical system. This integration eliminates the need for separate external variable optics while maintaining the ability to vary beam shape and direction through electrical control of the electrowetting lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated TIR-electrowetting lens assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously. The TIR lens provides the primary beam shaping and direction control, while the electrowetting lens adds variable focus and beam shape adjustment capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single optical assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external variable optics are used to vary beam shape and direction from a TIR lens, then the lighting device achieves flexibility in light output control, but the extent of beam shaping and steering is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the TIR lens and electrowetting lens into a single integrated assembly. The electrowetting lens is positioned within the TIR lens structure, allowing both components to work together as one unified optical system. This integration eliminates the need for separate external variable optics while maintaining the ability to vary beam shape and direction through electrical control of the electrowetting lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrowetting lens provides dynamic control capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of beam shape and direction through electrical signals. The liquid lens can change its focal length and optical properties continuously and rapidly in response to applied voltage, enabling flexible and extensive beam steering without mechanical movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external variable optics are integrated with a TIR lens to enable beam shaping, then the lighting device achieves variable light output characteristics, but the integration has limitations in the extent of beam shaping and steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the TIR lens and electrowetting lens into a single integrated assembly. The electrowetting lens is positioned within the TIR lens structure, allowing both components to work together as one unified optical system. This integration eliminates the need for separate external variable optics while maintaining the ability to vary beam shape and direction through electrical control of the electrowetting lens.
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
Enables enhanced control over light output beam shapes and directions, providing a wider range of beam steering and shaping capabilities without the need for external optics, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of lighting devices.
Implementation Method 1
The low index of refraction liquid is responsive to the electrowetting signals output from the signal interface. In response to the electrowetting signals, the amount of the exterior wall of the transparent lens covered by the low index of refraction liquid varies and causes a total internal reflection of light within the transparent lens
Implementation Method 2
causes a total internal reflection of light within the transparent lens to thereby vary a direction and/or shape of light output via the electrowetting optical output and/or the optical lens output
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are examples of optical/electrical devices including a variable TIR lens assembly having a transducer, an optical lens and an electrowetting cell coupled to an exterior wall of the lens. The electrowetting cell contains two immiscible liquids having different optical and electrical properties. One liquid has a high index of refraction, and the other liquid has a low index of refraction. At least one liquid is electrically conductive. A signal causes the high index of refraction and the low index of refraction liquids to assume various positions within the electrowetting cell along the exterior wall. The properties of the optical lens, e.g. its total internal reflectivity, change depending upon the position of the respective liquids along the exterior wall. The light characteristics of the assembly change to produce a light beam over a range of light beam outputs or a field of view over a range of fields of view.