TIR Lens Dichroic Coating Apportioning Optical Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED reflector lamps lack the capability to effectively apportion optical projection paths, resulting in the blocking of backward-emitted light, which is aesthetically valuable and reduces market adoption and energy efficiency compared to halogen lamps.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a TIR lens with a dichroic reflector coating or a color modification element, such as a color-bearing retaining sheath, to allow perceptible light to leak backwards, creating a 'rainbow' effect and providing a direct optical path for the leaked light outside the lamp envelope, while maintaining high energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED reflector lamps block backward emitted light to improve forward projection efficiency, then energy efficiency is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidbackward light emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector surface is segmented into different zones with different optical properties. The dichroic coating is applied to specific portions of the reflector to selectively transmit certain wavelengths backward while reflecting others forward, creating functional segmentation that resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and aesthetic quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the lamp structure are given different optical qualities. The dichroic filter is applied locally to specific areas of the reflector rather than uniformly across the entire surface, allowing localized control over light transmission and reflection properties to achieve both efficiency and aesthetic goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If additional LEDs are added to provide backward illumination, then aesthetic quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward light emissionVSAvoidlamp structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dichroic coating on the reflector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains forward projection efficiency by reflecting visible light forward while also providing backward illumination by transmitting infrared and other wavelengths backward. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backward-facing LEDs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The primary light source (forward-facing LED) serves dual purposes through the dichroic reflector system. The same LED that provides forward illumination also, through the dichroic filtering mechanism, provides backward illumination, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If halogen lamps use dichroic filters to create rainbow effect, then aesthetic quality is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward light emissionVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dichroic filter principle to LED technology, which has a much longer operational life than halogen lamps. While the optical principle remains similar, the LED-based implementation provides significantly longer service life and lower operating costs, making the aesthetic feature economically viable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental light generation parameter from thermal radiation (halogen) to electroluminescence (LED). This parameter change enables much higher energy efficiency while maintaining the dichroic filtering effect, as LEDs convert electrical energy directly to light with minimal thermal loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables LED lamps to achieve a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing backward light emission, enhancing market adoption and energy efficiency by allowing the lamps to be used in applications previously reserved for halogen lamps, while maintaining high energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The design incorporates a TIR lens with a dichroic reflector coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic reflection: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 2

The design incorporates a TIR lens with a dichroic reflector coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a color modification element, such as a color-bearing retaining sheath, to allow perceptible light to leak backwards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor modification: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS9267661B1Apportioning optical projection paths in an LED lamp

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 KORRUS INC

AI summary

LED illumination systems and techniques for apportioning optical projection paths in an LED lamp are disclosed.