Light emitting diode-light guide coupling apparatus
US8066417B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10H20/855
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Different arrangements for improving the coupling-in efficiency between an LED assembly and a light guide are disclosed. In a first arrangement, a substantially planar end of a light guide is seated on a perimeter wall of a support that encloses a LED assembly, and a reflecting surface enhances coupling efficiency of a light guide. Alternative arrangements use a separate coupler disposed between the LED assembly and the light guide, which coupler has a paraboloid or aspheroid conformation to develop substantially collimated light that is directed into the light guide. The cavity around the LED assembly and within the coupler, may be air or a material having an index of refraction that closely matches the index of refraction of the light guide material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.