Twisted Deep Radiator Reflectors for Homogeneous LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic reflectors used in lamps with LED light sources produce inhomogeneous illuminance due to discontinuities at the corners of the reflector surface, leading to uneven light distribution in the emitted light cone.
Innovation Solution
The reflector surface is designed with a rotating polygon that changes shape and size between the light entry and exit ends, distributing edge inhomogeneities across multiple emission directions and creating a more homogeneous light cone by aligning the axis of rotation parallel to the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the reflector surface uses straight edges forming a polygon, then the manufacturing is simple, but the illuminance becomes inhomogeneous at the corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the reflector surface by replacing straight edges with spiral curves that rotate around the optical axis. This curved geometry transforms the inhomogeneous illuminance patterns caused by straight edges into a more uniform light distribution, as the spiral shape continuously redirects light rays from corner regions across different angular positions in the emitted light cone.
2Device complexity
If the reflector has a rectangular cross-section, then the structure is simple, but the light cone edges show strong inhomogeneities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry through the spiral rotation of the polygon cross-section along the optical axis. While the overall reflector maintains a generally symmetric appearance, the local asymmetric spiral geometry disrupts the formation of stationary inhomogeneity patterns at the light cone edges, distributing the optical path variations more evenly across the emitted light.
3Illumination intensity
If the polygon rotates about an axis parallel to the optical axis, then the illuminance homogeneity improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through the rotational symmetry of the spiral polygon. The polygon cross-section rotates at regular intervals along the optical axis, creating a periodic pattern that systematically distributes inhomogeneities throughout the light cone. This periodic structure can be manufactured using rotationally symmetric molding or machining processes, making the increased complexity manageable through standardized manufacturing techniques.
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 design results in a more uniform illuminance of the radiated light cone, improving the imaging properties and reducing inhomogeneities, especially when using LEDs as light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector surface (4) extending between the light entering end (2) and the light exiting end (3), the reflector surface (4) defining a polygon (11) in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (O)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reflector (1) for a luminaire. A reflector (1) of this type comprises a light-inlet end (2), a light-outlet end (3) with at least one substantially rectangular light-outlet aperture (6), an optical axis (O), and a reflector surface (4) extending between the light-inlet end (2) and the light-outlet end (3), wherein the reflector surface (4) defines a polygon (11) in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (O). According to the invention, the reflector surface (4) is configured such that the polygon (11) between the light-inlet end (2) and the light-outlet end (3) rotates at least partially about an axis of rotation that is aligned parallel to the optical axis (O). The present invention further relates to an arrangement comprising at least two reflectors (1) according to the invention and a luminaire with a reflector (1) according to the invention and a light source comprising an LED.