Waveguide Light Sources With Movable Extraction for Dynamic Beam Shaping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices with optical waveguides have fixed illuminance distribution patterns that require manual external adjustments, are prone to de-bonding under stress, and cannot respond dynamically to environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

Luminaires with waveguides and light sources having varying angular positions and reversibly moveable light extraction components, allowing dynamic alteration of illuminance distribution patterns through mechanical, electrical, or magnetic forces, and reinforced structures to prevent de-bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If waveguide shape and extraction feature characteristics are fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but illuminance distribution pattern cannot be adjusted dynamically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminance distribution pattern adjustabilityVSAvoidwaveguide structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the waveguide shape and extraction feature characteristics changeable rather than fixed. The waveguide includes a controllable component that can alter its geometry or optical properties in response to control signals, enabling dynamic adjustment of illuminance distribution patterns while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying physical or optical parameters of the waveguide structure (such as refractive index, shape dimensions, or extraction feature geometry) to achieve different illuminance distribution patterns. These parameter changes can be controlled electronically or mechanically, allowing versatile adjustment without fundamentally redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If extraction elements are bonded to waveguide body with adhesive, then assembly is simplified, but flexural loads can cause de-bonding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction element assemblyVSAvoidbonded joint stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the bonding system to anticipate and compensate for flexural loads before they occur. This may include using adhesives with appropriate mechanical properties, designing bonding areas that distribute stresses, or incorporating structural features that reduce the impact of flexural loads on the bonded joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the waveguide body material with extraction element materials and adhesive materials in a way that creates a structurally integrated assembly. This composite structure enhances the overall mechanical strength and bonding reliability while maintaining optical performance, resisting de-bonding under flexural loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Illumination intensity

If adhesive amount is limited to maintain optical performance, then optical quality is improved, but bonding strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidbonding strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform adhesive distribution or varying adhesive properties in different regions of the bonding interface. Areas with higher optical performance requirements may have reduced or optimized adhesive presence, while areas requiring stronger mechanical bonding may have enhanced adhesive concentration or different adhesive material properties, achieving both optical quality and bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 real-time adjustment of illuminance distribution in response to environmental changes and enhances structural integrity under stress, providing flexible and efficient lighting solutions.

Implementation Method 1

An optical waveguide mixes and directs light emitted by one or more light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The extraction element(s) determine how light is removed by controlling where and in what direction the light exits the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12353005B2Waveguide-based light sources with dynamic beam shaping

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 LED-IP MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

Luminaires are described herein employing waveguides and associated architectures for dynamic alteration of illuminance distribution patterns. The waveguide includes a light extraction component. The waveguide transmits light from a light source to the light extraction component by total internal reflection (TIR). The light extraction component includes one or more reversibly moveable surfaces for altering illuminance distribution patterns of the luminaire in response to one or more forces applied to the light extraction component by a force application assembly of the luminaire.