Variable Spot Size Lens with Segmented Refractive-Reflective Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems with variable-focus capabilities are limited in their ability to produce adjustable light patterns, as they often rely on simple reflector movements, resulting in sub-optimal illumination characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A lens system that combines reflection and refraction to generate adjustable light patterns, featuring a central and peripheral portion on both anterior and posterior surfaces, where the peripheral portion primarily reflects or refracts light, allowing for adjustable beam widths by changing the position of the light source relative to the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple reflector is moved to change spot size, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination characteristics become sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple zones with different optical functions: a central refractive zone and peripheral reflective zones. This segmentation allows different portions of the lens to perform different operations (refraction vs. reflection) to control light paths, achieving superior illumination characteristics while maintaining a single integrated component rather than multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens are given different optical properties - the central portion is designed for refraction while the peripheral portions are designed for reflection. This local differentiation of optical quality enables precise control over light distribution patterns and eliminates the need for complex mechanical adjustments
2Illumination intensity
If a lens combines reflection and refraction for adjustable light patterns, then the illumination characteristics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens integrates both reflective and refractive functionalities into a single optical element. The peripheral zones perform total internal reflection while the central zone performs refraction, combining multiple optical mechanisms in one component. This merging eliminates the need for separate reflectors or movable parts while achieving adjustable beam patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: it focuses light, controls beam spread, and adjusts illumination patterns all through a single static component. The different zones of the lens perform different functions (refraction, reflection, beam shaping) that would traditionally require multiple separate elements
3Shape
If the peripheral portion primarily reflects light via single passage, then the beam width control is improved, but the light energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens design converts what would normally be wasted light (rays hitting the peripheral edges at oblique angles) into useful reflected beams. By designing the peripheral zones with specific reflective properties, light that would otherwise be lost or scattered is redirected to form the outer portions of the controlled beam pattern, improving overall energy utilization
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 the production of adjustable light patterns with improved illumination characteristics, including variable beam widths and uniformity, suitable for diverse applications such as flashlights and long-distance lighting.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral portion of the posterior surface primarily reflects light that is incident thereon via a single passage through the lens body from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the central portion of the posterior surface primarily refracts light that is incident thereon via a single passage through the lens body from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
Improved lighting devices and methods are provided. In many embodiments, the devices and methods provide the capability to change a spot of light projected onto a target surface. In other embodiments, the devices and methods are fixed-focus. In one embodiment a lens can have a lens body with anterior and posterior surfaces. The anterior surface can be adapted to receive light from a light source. The posterior surface can have a central portion and a peripheral portion. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the central portion of the posterior surface via refraction. Some of the light from the light source can pass through the lens body and exit the peripheral portion of the posterior surface via both refraction and reflection at various surfaces of the lens.