Patent Grant
9062849
The field of the technology relates generally to illumination systems and more specifically to an illumination system that includes an array of light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) and at least two optics that process light emitted by the array of light emitting diodes, as may be useful for exterior lighting.
Light emitting diodes are useful for indoor and outdoor illumination, as well as other applications. Many such applications would benefit from an improved technology for managing light produced by a light emitting diode, such as forming an illumination distribution matched or tailored to application parameters.
For example, consider lighting an area with an array of light emitting diodes pointing downward, towards the ground. With many conventional light emitting diodes, the resulting illumination pattern would be relatively concentrated on the ground. However, efficiently spreading the light to provide a larger illumination area would be beneficial for many applications.
Need for improved light management is apparent. Need exists for a robust apparatus to manage light emitted by one or more light emitting diodes. Need further exists for an economical apparatus to manage light emitted by an array of light emitting diodes. Need further exists for a technology that can efficiently manage light emitted by one or more light emitting diodes, resulting in energy conservation. Need further exists for an optical device that can transform light emanating from a two-dimensional array of light emitting diodes into a desired distribution, for example redirecting light that is concentrated in one area so that the illuminated area is expanded. A capability addressing one or more such needs, or some other related deficiency in the art, would support cost effective deployment of light emitting diodes in lighting and other applications.
An apparatus can process light emitted by one or more light emitting diodes to form a desired illumination distribution, for example converting light that is concentrated in one direction into a spread of light conducive to illuminating a relatively large area.
In one aspect of the present technology, a lighting system can comprise one or more light emitting diodes and two optics oriented to process emitted light. A first optic can comprise a cavity facing the light emitting diodes for subjecting emitted light to a first level of processing. A second optic can subject emitted light to a second level of processing. The second optic can comprise grooves extending lengthwise along an optical axis of the lighting system.
In another aspect of the present technology, a lighting system can comprise an array of light emitting diodes and an optic positioned to process light emitted by the light emitting diodes. The array can be distributed across a surface area, for example on a substrate. The optic can comprise a cavity that faces the array of light emitting diodes and receives light from the light emitting diodes. The optic can further comprise an outer surface that faces away from the array of light emitting diodes and that emits the received light. The cavity can be large relative to the array of light emitting diodes. For example, the cavity can have a volume exceeding the volume of a cube, where each face of the cube has a surface area equal to the surface area of the array. The optic can be utilized in the lighting system either with or without a secondary optic.
The foregoing discussion of managing light is for illustrative purposes only. Various aspects of the present technology may be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and by reference to the drawings and the claims that follow. Moreover, other aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects of the present technology will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such aspects, systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects are to be included within this description, are to be within the scope of the present technology, and are to be protected by the accompanying claims.
Many aspects of the technology can be better understood with reference to the above drawings. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of exemplary embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements throughout the several views.
A light generator can emit light. In certain embodiments, the light generator can be or comprise one or more light emitting diodes, such as an array of light emitting diodes. The light generator can emit light that presents a circular or elliptical illumination distribution on an illuminated surface. With an appropriately configured optical system, the light generator can be deployed in applications where an expanded illumination distribution is desired, for example to light a larger area. Thus, the optical system can process light emitted by the light generator to provide a larger illumination distribution on the surface, such as substantially increasing the diameter of a circular illuminance iso-footcandle line or magnifying an elliptical pattern.
In certain embodiments, such an optical system can receive light from an array of light emitting diodes, where each light emitting diode has an associated dome. The array can extend in two dimensions on a substrate, thereby covering a surface area of the substrate with a footprint. (The term “footprint,” as used herein, refers to the surface space occupied by something, including interstitial spaces where a group of things are occupying surface space.) The array can be coupled to an optic comprising a cavity that receives light from the domes and an outer surface that emits the received light. For example, the domes can protrude into or be disposed in the cavity of the optic. The cavity can be sized to accommodate the array.
In certain embodiments, the cavity can have a volume that is large relative to the array. For example, suppose each face of a cube had a surface area equal to the footprint of the array. In certain embodiments, the cavity's volume can exceed the volume of such a cube. In certain embodiments, the cavity can be sufficiently large so that such a cube could fit inside the cavity. In certain embodiments, the cavity can be sized such that at least one edge of such a cube could fit in the cavity. In certain embodiments, at least one dimension of the array could fit in the cavity.
In certain embodiments, the optic having the cavity is a primary optic and is coupled to a secondary optic. Thus, the array of light emitting diodes can be coupled to an optical system comprising a primary optic and a secondary optic. In certain embodiments, the secondary optic comprises a pattern of grooves that extend along an optical axis. Light emitted from the primary optic can encounter the secondary optic and be expanded to spread the light and provide a broadened pattern of light as may be useful to illuminate a large area, among other applications.
Technology for managing light emitted by an array of light emitting diodes or will now be described more fully with reference to
The present technology can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the technology to those having ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, all “examples” or “exemplary embodiments” given herein are intended to be non-limiting and among others supported by representations of the present technology.
As illustrated, the lighting system 100 comprises a housing 1 that includes a bracket 130 for mounting to a wall or other site. Fasteners 7 attach an arm cover bracket 3 to the underside of the housing 1, as part of the mounting bracket 130. Heat sink fins 76 carry heat associated with internal electronics away from the lighting system 100.
A photocell 8 provides automatic cut-on at dusk and cutoff at dawn. A socket 12 connects the photocell 8 to the lighting system 100. When the lighting system 100 is deployed indoors, the photocell 8 may be bypassed or eliminated.
The lighting system 100 comprises a light emitting diode module 10 that produces light as will be discussed in further detail below. A primary optic 150, which will also be discussed in further detail below, processes the light produced by the light emitting diode module 10. A secondary optic 125, also discussed below, subjects the light to a second level of processing.
Fasteners 2 attach the light emitting diode module 10 and the primary optic 150 to the housing 1. The secondary optic 125 mounts to the housing 1 via a circular bracket 4, thereby positioning the secondary optic 125 in an opening or aperture 220 of the housing.
A bracket 13 and associated fasteners 5 mount a light emitting diode driver 6 to the housing 1. The light emitting diode driver 6 transforms line power to a form suitable for powering the light emitting diode module 10. A grounding contact 14 mounts to the housing 1 via a fastener 16 and an associated lock washer 15.
Referring now to
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the primary optic 150, the secondary optic 125, and the light emitting diode module 10 have a common optical axis 350. The optical axis 350 may be associated with a distribution of emitted light and/or associated with physical structure or mechanical features.
The term “optical axis,” as used herein, generally refers to a reference line along which there is some degree of rotational or other symmetry in an optical system, or a reference line defining a path along which light propagates through a system or after exiting a system. Such reference lines are often imaginary or intangible lines.
In certain embodiments, the primary optic 150 has an optical axis that is laterally offset from or tilted with respect to the optical axis of the secondary optic 125. Moreover, the light emitting diode module 10 may have an optical axis that is laterally offset from or tilted with respect to the optical axis of the primary optic 150, and may further be offset or tilted relative to the optical axis of the secondary optic 125. In certain embodiments, the primary optic 150, the secondary optic 125, and the light emitting diode module 10 may have optical axes that are all laterally offset from one another or tilted relative to one another.
In certain embodiments, the light emitting diode module 10 may be of a form that lacks a composite optical axis along which there is rotational symmetry. In certain embodiments, the primary optic 150 may be of a form that lacks an optical axis along which there is rotational symmetry. In certain embodiments, the secondary optic 125 may be of a form that lacks an optical axis along which there is rotational symmetry.
In certain embodiments, the lighting system 100 incorporates the primary optic 150 without the secondary optic 125. In certain embodiments, the lighting system 100 incorporates the secondary optic 125 without the primary optic 150. Additionally, the various components and features disclosed herein may be utilized as standalone elements or integrated together to form modules or subsystems utilized in some other appropriate system or application.
The present disclosure and teaching is sufficiently rich and detailed to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use a wide variety of optic embodiments by combining various features illustrated in the figures and described in text in accordance with principles of the present technology. Moreover, one of ordinary skill will be able to apply the present teaching readily to adapt the various disclosed features according to application parameters and preferences.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The primary optic 150 comprises an inner profile 500 and an outer profile 550 that can be defined by the intersection of a reference plane with the primary optic 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner profile 500 is formed at the intersection between the interior surface 505 and a reference plane in which the optical axis 350 of the primary optic 150 lies. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior surface 505 of the primary optic 150 is refractive. However, other embodiments of the interior surface 505 may utilize forms of light manipulation other than refraction, including without limitation reflection.
Similarly, the outer profile 550 is formed at the intersection between the exterior surface 510 and the reference plane containing the optical axis 350 of the primary optic 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface 510 of the primary optic 150 is refractive. However, other embodiments of the exterior surface 550 may utilize forms of light manipulation other than refraction, including without limitation reflection
As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill having benefit of this disclosure, a “reference plane” can be thought of as an imaginary or intangible plane providing a useful aid in describing, characterizing, or visualizing something. Although illustrated in a particular position, reference planes can ordinarily be positioned in other locations that may or may not be arbitrary.
In the illustrated embodiment, the primary optic 150 comprises a combination of optically active features and optically inactive or mechanical features. The recess 575 receives the light emitting diode module 10, and the light emitting diode module 10 may be seated in the recess 575. Channels 503 facilitate passage of electrical leads. Holes 507 facilitate fastener-based mounting as discussed above with reference to
In certain exemplary embodiments, the primary optic 150 is a unitary optical element that comprises molded plastic material that is transparent. The primary optic 150 may comprise poly-methyl-methacrylate (“PMMA”), polycarbonate, or an appropriate acrylic, to mention a few representative material options without limitation. In certain exemplary embodiments, the primary optic 150 can be formed of optical grade silicone and may be pliable and/or elastic, for example.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the primary optic 150 is a seamless unitary optical element. In certain exemplary embodiments, the primary optic 150 is formed of multiple transparent optical elements bonded, fused, glued, or otherwise joined together to form a unitary optical element that is void of air gaps yet made of multiple elements.
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment of the light emitting diode module 10, light emitting diodes 401 are organized in an array 300 mounted to a substrate 555. In this case, the array 300 is a two-dimensional array. In various embodiments, a two-dimensional arrangement can be utilized that forms a pattern that is circular, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagon, honeycomb, or some other appropriate geometric form. In certain embodiments, a six-around-one pattern of light emitting diodes 401 can be utilized. In certain embodiments, a line of light emitting diodes 401 forming a one-dimensional array can be utilized.
As illustrated, the array 300 of light emitting diodes 401 covers a footprint 585 of the substrate 555. The footprint 585 has a surface area. In the case of a rectangular array, surface area of the footprint 585 could be computed as length of the array multiplied by width of the array, for example.
In various embodiments, the substrate 555 can be ceramic, plastic, resin, or some other electrically compatible material. The substrate 555 can comprise a circuit board, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 555 is flat, but may be curved or have some other appropriate geometry.
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, each light emitting diode 401 can comprise a light emitting diode package that includes a chip-level substrate and an active area that converts electrical energy into light. The active area can comprise an optoelectronic semiconductor structure or feature and/or an aperture. A dome 590 covers and protects the active area. As illustrated, the array 300 of light emitting diodes 401 comprises a corresponding array of domes 590, and the array 300 can be characterized as an array of domed light emitting diodes.
The dome 590 may comprise optical quality silicone, or some other appropriate material known in the art, that encapsulates the active area and transmits light. Thus, the dome 590 can provide environmental protection to the light emitting diode's semiconductor materials and emit the light that the light emitting diode 401 generates. In many embodiments, the dome 590 emits Lambertian light. Accordingly, the dome 590 may radiate light at highly diverse angles, for example providing a light distribution pattern that can be characterized, modeled, or approximated as Lambertian. In certain embodiments, multiple light emitting diode elements are covered by a single dome.
Referring now to
In the illustrated configuration, the domes 590 of the light emitting diodes 401 project towards or into a cavity 610 of the primary optic 150. One or more of the domes 590 may extend or protrude, partially or fully, into the cavity 610, for example. In certain embodiments, the array 300 is disposed entirely in the cavity 610 of the primary optic 150. In certain embodiments, the array 300 is outside the cavity 610 of the primary optic 150.
As illustrated, the cavity 610 contains a gas such as air. However, in certain embodiments, the cavity 610 may be filled with a liquid, grease, or gel. For example, in certain embodiments, a matching gel or fluid may reduce or substantially eliminate refraction at the interior surface 505 of the primary optic 150 and at the exterior surfaces of the domes 590.
In the illustrated embodiment, the interior surface 505 of the primary optic 150 has an inner profile 500 that redirects horizontally oriented rays 400A downward and redirects other rays 400 towards horizontal. The inner profile 500 comprises a flared peripheral region 675 that provides a refractive interface for bending horizontal rays downward and that may be characterized as slanted. A sidewall region 680 of the inner profile 500 is substantially linear and bends incident rays 400 towards horizontal. The sidewall region 680 meets with the flared peripheral region 675 in a corner 650, which is a rounded corner in the illustrated embodiment. The inner profile 500 further comprises a bowl-shaped region 690 through which the optical axis 350 passes. The bowl-shaped region 690 meets with the sidewall region 680 in another corner 600, which is also a rounded corner in the illustrated embodiment.
As illustrated, the interior surface 505 provides a cavity 610 having a depth 611 and width 605. The depth 611 can be dimensioned from the top of the bowl-shaped region 690 to the closest face of the substrate 555. The width 605 can be dimensioned between the corners 600. As illustrated, the array 300 has a dimension across the page (and further as a two-dimensional array has another, perpendicular dimension that is not visible in the view of
In certain exemplary embodiments, dimensions of the cavity 610 can correlate with dimensions or footprint 585 or surface area of the array 300. For example, in certain embodiments, the width 605 of the cavity 610 is within approximately 20 percent of the width 615 of the array 300. In certain embodiments, the width 605 of the cavity 610 is approximately equal to the width 615 of the array 300. In certain embodiments, the width 605 of the cavity 610 is greater than the width 615 of the array 300.
In certain embodiments, the depth 611 of the cavity 610 is within approximately 20 percent of the width 615 of the array 300. In certain embodiments, the depth 611 of the cavity 610 is approximately equal to the width 615 of the array 300. In certain embodiments, the depth 611 of the cavity 610 is greater than the width 615 of the array 300.
In certain embodiments, the cavity 610 is large enough such that a cube can fit inside the cavity 610, where each face of the cube has the surface area of the footprint 585 of the array 300 of light emitting diodes 401. In certain embodiments, the cavity 610 has a volume that is at least as large as the volume of such a cube. In certain embodiments, the bowl-shaped region 690 of the primary optic 150 is at least as large as the footprint 585 of the array.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The illustrated secondary optic 125 has two open ends, one facing the housing 1 and one opposite. On the inside, grooves 800 extend between the two ends. In various embodiments, such grooves 800 can be refractive or reflective and may comprise fluting or prismatic surfaces.
As illustrated, the outer surface 850 of the secondary optic 125 is smooth. In certain exemplary embodiments, the secondary optic 125 is a unitary optical element that comprises molded plastic material that is transparent. The secondary optic 125 may comprise PMMA, polycarbonate, or an appropriate acrylic, to mention a few representative material options without limitation. In certain exemplary embodiments, the secondary optic 125 can be formed of glass.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The plot 1000 of
Referring now to
Technology for managing light emitted from one or more light emitting diodes or other appropriate sources has been described. From the description, it will be appreciated that an embodiment of the present technology overcomes the limitations of the prior art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present technology is not limited to any specifically discussed application or implementation and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments of the present technology will appear to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the present technology is to be limited only by the claims that follow.
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