Variable Divergence Light Source Using Adjustable Mixing Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sources have fixed light-distribution patterns, making it difficult to achieve variable beam angles without sacrificing efficiency or increasing costs, particularly in applications where expensive optical systems are not justified.
Innovation Solution
A light source with a mixing chamber and a reflector, where the distance between the LED and the diffusive emission surface is adjustable, allowing for variable beam divergence by altering the LED-to-exit distance, which affects the output beam angle and intensity, using a mechanism to control this distance for optimal light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If movable refractive optics are used to alter beam angle, then beam angle is variable, but efficiency decreases and light losses mount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic reflector that can change its shape or orientation to control beam angle. The reflector surface is made movable through mechanical actuators, allowing it to dynamically adjust the reflected light path and beam divergence angle without requiring multiple optical elements, thereby maintaining high efficiency while achieving variable beam angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the reflector (such as its curvature radius, tilt angle, or position) to control beam characteristics. By adjusting these physical parameters of the reflector, the beam angle can be varied continuously while minimizing light loss, as the reflector simply redirects existing light rather than requiring additional optical surfaces that would cause absorption and scattering losses.
2Reliability
If multiple optical elements are added to prevent color separation and distortion, then beam quality is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple corrective optical elements by using a single well-designed reflector that inherently controls beam quality. The reflector is positioned and shaped to work directly with the LED emission pattern, preventing color separation and distortion through proper optical geometry rather than requiring additional compensating lenses or prisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light to achieve desired beam angles, maintains beam quality by preventing color separation, and controls illumination uniformity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate optical elements for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable beam quality.
3Device complexity
If fixed light-distribution pattern is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the optical system through a movable reflector mechanism. This allows the same simple device structure to adapt to different applications by changing its configuration, enabling users to select between spot, flood, or intermediate beam patterns as needed without requiring multiple fixed optical systems.
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 cost-effective, efficient light sources with variable beam angles and uniform illumination, maintaining high efficiency and preventing color separation or distortion, with minimal light loss, by adjusting the LED-to-exit distance and using highly reflective interior surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
one or more side walls having a reflective interior surface
Implementation Method 2
a planar diffusive emission surface defining a ceiling of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
a mechanism to control a height of the chamber to thereby variably control a divergence of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A light source producing a beam of variable divergence, comprising one or more light-emitting devices arranged on a planar substrate, with each of the light-emitting devices having a Lambertian emission distribution. The light source may further comprise a chamber for mixing light emitted from the one or more light-emitting devices, the chamber itself comprising a base defined by the planar substrate, one or more side walls having a reflective interior surface, and a planar diffusive emission surface defining a ceiling of the chamber. The chamber may have an adjustable height. A reflector extends from the chamber for redirecting light exiting from the chamber to form a light beam, the reflector surrounding and having a focal plane coincident with the ceiling of the chamber. Finally, the light source may comprise a mechanism to control a height of the chamber to thereby variably control a divergence of the light beam.