Wavelength Conversion Lighting Device with Mirror Optical Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lighting devices using wavelength conversion, a significant portion of excitation radiation is scattered or reflected back from the phosphor surface without being converted, leading to decreased efficiency in wavelength conversion.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device design that includes a mirror optical unit with reflective regions to redirect unconverted excitation radiation back onto the wavelength conversion element, utilizing a collimation and converging optical system to form collimated beams and ensure efficient reuse of the reflected radiation for conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If excitation radiation is radiated onto the wavelength conversion element, then conversion light is generated, but part of the excitation radiation is scattered or reflected back without being converted, decreasing wavelength conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by capturing the harmful reflected excitation radiation that would otherwise be lost and redirecting it back onto the wavelength conversion element. The mirror optical unit takes the 'harmful' reflected radiation and converts it into a beneficial resource by returning it to the phosphor for additional conversion opportunities, thereby improving overall energy utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements this principle by recovering the unconverted excitation radiation that would normally be discarded or lost. The mirror optical unit captures this reflected radiation and redirects it back to the wavelength conversion element, enabling multiple conversion attempts from the same excitation photons and reducing energy waste
2Use of energy by moving object
If a mirror optical unit is added to redirect unconverted excitation radiation, then wavelength conversion efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror optical unit serves multiple functions within the system: it reflects unconverted excitation radiation back to the phosphor, manages stray light, and maintains optical path efficiency. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several benefits from a single structural addition
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror optical unit acts as an intermediary element between the wavelength conversion element and the surrounding optical system. It mediates the path of reflected excitation radiation, directing it back toward the phosphor without interfering with the primary conversion process or requiring major system reconfiguration
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
Enhances the wavelength conversion efficiency by reusing the unconverted excitation radiation, thereby improving the overall light generation process in applications such as projectors and automotive headlights.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion arrangement for converting excitation radiation into conversion light by means of wavelength conversion
Implementation Method 2
An unavoidable non-converted part of the excitation radiation is reflected by the wavelength conversion element
Implementation Method 3
a unit for collimating the excitation radiation to form at least one collimated excitation beam
Implementation Method 4
a unit for directing the at least one collimated excitation beam onto the at least one wavelength conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device includes at least one excitation radiation source designed to emit excitation radiation; a wavelength conversion arrangement, which is arranged in such a way that excitation radiation can be radiated onto a wavelength conversion element. The wavelength conversion element is designed to convert excitation radiation into conversion light. An unavoidable non-converted part of the excitation radiation is reflected by the wavelength conversion element. The device further includes a unit for collimating the excitation radiation to form at least one collimated excitation beam; a unit for directing the at least one collimated excitation beam onto the at least one wavelength conversion element; a unit, which is arranged between collimation optical unit and converging optical unit and has at least one region for reflecting that part of the at least one excitation beam which is not converted, but rather is reflected by the at least one wavelength conversion element.