Portable Light TIR Optical Element with Removable Beam Modifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable lights used in hazardous environments often suffer from reduced visibility due to reflections from smoke, particles, and fog, which can increase the hazard for users, and existing solutions either provide insufficient control over light intensity or are inefficient with modern LED light sources.
Innovation Solution
A portable light design featuring a TIR optical element with a recess for a selectable beam modification element, allowing users to configure the light beam for reduced central intensity and adjustable peripheral light, using a removable plug to modify the light characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a highly collimated beam is used to reduce reflection-induced blinding, then peripheral light is reduced, but light intensity at the center is increased which may be disadvantageous in other environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a removable beam modification element that allows the optical configuration to be dynamically changed. Users can insert or remove the modification element to switch between different beam patterns (highly collimated with reduced peripheral light, or more distributed light), enabling adaptation to different environmental conditions and eliminating the need for a fixed optical design that compromises between conflicting requirements
2Illumination intensity
If a parabolic reflector is used to increase central light intensity, then peripheral light is reduced, but this arrangement is less efficient with modern LED light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional components: the TIR optical element for light collection and redirection, and a removable beam modification element for beam shaping. This segmentation allows the main optical element to be optimized for LED efficiency (using TIR principles) while the removable element provides the beam modification functionality, separating the energy-efficient light gathering from the beam pattern control
Solution Approach 2:
The beam modification element acts as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the final beam output. It mediates the light path by selectively blocking or redirecting light to achieve desired beam patterns without requiring the entire optical system to be redesigned, thus maintaining LED efficiency while achieving various beam characteristics
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent opaque plate is used to block direct forward projected light, then peripheral light is reduced, but the device loses flexibility in different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the permanent opaque plate with a removable beam modification element, transforming the optical configuration from static to dynamic. This allows users to adapt the device to different environmental conditions by inserting or removing the modification element, providing flexibility to optimize performance for various scenarios such as smoke-filled environments, open spaces, or situations requiring different beam patterns
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 easy reconfiguration of light intensity and color to suit different environments, reducing user fatigue and improving visibility while maintaining high central light intensity, even in hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a TIR optical element disposed in front of the light source for receiving the light produced thereby, and to form the light produced thereby into a collimated beam of light
Data Source
AI summary
A portable light may comprise: a light body and a light source supported thereby and selectively energizable for producing light; a switch for selectively energizing the light source; a TIR optical element disposed in front of the light source for receiving the light produced thereby, and form the light into a collimated beam of light, the TIR optical element having a recess in a forward face thereof; and a selectable beam modification element placeable into and removable from the recess in the forward face of the TIR optical element.