Variable-Beam LED Light Source with Concave Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sources with fixed beam angles are limited in versatility, leading to either inadequate illumination or poor optical quality when used in varying conditions, and they suffer from inefficiencies in heat dissipation and LED packing density due to the need for extensive electronic circuitry and close-packed LED arrangements on PCBs.
Innovation Solution
A light source system featuring individually controllable light-emitting devices arranged near a concave reflecting optic, allowing for variable beam divergence by adjusting drive currents based on the distance from the center of the arrangement, and utilizing a semiconductor substrate for efficient heat dissipation and high-resolution LED packing without occupying valuable surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed lens is used to create a light beam, then the optical quality and collection efficiency are maintained, but the beam angle cannot be varied without changing the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light source into multiple individually controllable LED elements arranged in a specific pattern. By selectively activating different segments of LEDs, the beam angle can be varied without moving any physical components. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multiple beam patterns (narrow, medium, wide) using a single fixed optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic control of the light output by electronically adjusting which LED elements are activated and at what intensity levels. This dynamic control enables real-time variation of beam angles and patterns without any mechanical movement, maintaining optical quality while providing versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are moved away from the focal point of a lens or parabolic mirror to create a wider beam, then the beam angle increases, but the image quality degrades and collection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by assigning different activation states to different spatial locations within the LED array. By selectively turning on or off specific LED elements based on their position, the system can create different beam patterns while maintaining optimal optical quality. Each local region contributes differently to the overall beam shape without requiring physical displacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different light bulbs are maintained to accommodate various beam divergences, then all desired beam angles can be achieved, but portability and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes a single light source universal by enabling it to perform multiple beam functions (narrow spot, medium flood, wide flood) through electronic control of the LED array. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to carry multiple specialized bulbs, significantly improving portability and convenience while maintaining full versatility.
4Productivity
If LEDs are close-packed on a PCB to increase packing density, then the light output is maximized, but heat dissipation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional close-packed LED arrangement on a PCB to a three-dimensional configuration where LEDs are positioned at specific distances from the optical element. This spatial reconfiguration in the third dimension (distance from optical element) allows for improved heat dissipation pathways while maintaining high light output efficiency through optimal positioning.
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 flexible control over beam angles and brightness while maintaining uniformity and efficiency, reducing the need for multiple light sources and improving LED array reliability and lifespan through efficient heat management and compact packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a concave reflecting optic having an axis of symmetry and including multiple segments for redirecting light emitted thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Light sources with arrangements of multiple LEDs (or other light-emitting devices) disposed at or near the focus of a reflecting optic having multiple segments facilitate varying the angular distribution of the light beam (e.g., the beam divergence) via the drive currents supplied to the LEDs.