Ring-lens system for efficient beam formation
US5926320A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21S41/322
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention consists of a highly efficient beamforming system of ring-lens elements that may be used in automobile headlights, flashlights, and for other lighting products. The lens captures most of the light from an omnidirectional source, so that light from a solid angular cone of nearly 4 steradians is utilized with little or no reliance on a metallic reflector. The surfaces of the lens elements may be formed integrally with a hot light source, such as an incandescent lamp, so that the filament of the light source is inserted directly into an internal cavity of the lens. The lens may also be formed in optical contact with a cold light source, such as a light emitting diode, to reduce Fresnel losses and increase light utilization efficiency. An integrated system of optical surfaces collects light, including downwardly-directed light, from the source to further increase light utilization to a high efficiency of 75-90%. The number of surfaces on the lens are at least three, and one or more of these surfaces use total internal reflection (TIR) to redirect the light. The lens may be formed in either a two piece construction or a one piece construction having an internal air gap. T…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.