Toroid Optic Lighting Device Central Peripheral Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices, such as flashlights, typically offer either central or peripheral illumination but not both effectively, leading to increased risks of slips, trips, and falls due to inadequate visual acuity and spatial orientation in poor lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a light pipe with an axicon or a toroid optic within the lighting device, which directs light rays to provide both a bright central spot and a wide peripheral illumination, enhancing the user's field of view and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lighting device uses a single LED with a reflector for central illumination, then the center spot brightness is improved, but the peripheral illumination becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is divided into multiple LED modules, each with its own reflector and optical system. Some LEDs are oriented to provide central spot illumination while others provide peripheral flood illumination, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular/directional dimension by orienting LEDs at different angles (e.g., 90 degrees apart). This allows the same lighting device to illuminate different spatial zones (center and periphery) by distributing light in multiple directions simultaneously
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are used with different orientations to provide both spot and flood light, then both central and peripheral illumination are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each LED module is designed to be multi-functional, capable of providing both central and peripheral illumination depending on its orientation and optical configuration. The modular design allows the same basic unit to serve multiple illumination purposes
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple LED modules with different orientations are combined into a single integrated housing. The modules share common structural elements, electrical connections, and control circuitry, reducing overall system complexity despite having multiple light sources
3Area of stationary object
If a light provides bright peripheral illumination, then the field of view is improved, but the central spot brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the lighting device are assigned different functional qualities: some LEDs and reflectors are optimized for central spot concentration while others are optimized for peripheral flood distribution. Each local component is tailored to its specific illumination zone rather than using a uniform design
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 configuration maintains a high central light intensity while providing effective peripheral illumination, reducing the likelihood of accidents by improving visual acuity and spatial orientation in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of a light pipe with an axicon or a toroid optic within the lighting device, which directs light rays to provide both a bright central spot and a wide peripheral illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly includes a light source and a reflector having a reflective interior surface and a central opening. A toroidal-shaped toroid optic includes a central bore and the light source is positioned in the central bore. The toroid optic is positioned within the central opening of the reflector. A broadening lens is attached to the reflector and positioned adjacent to the toroid optic. The broadening lens includes a central optic.