U.S. patent application number 17/022427 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-21 for silicone optics.
The applicant listed for this patent is ABL IP Holding LLC. Invention is credited to Jie Chen, John Bryan Harvey, Craig Eugene Marquardt, Forrest Starnes McCanless, Daniel Aaron Weiss, Yinan Wu.
Application Number | 20210016528 17/022427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005131734 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210016528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marquardt; Craig Eugene ; et
al. |
January 21, 2021 |
SILICONE OPTICS
Abstract
Silicone-containing light fixture optics. A method for
manufacturing an optical component may include mixing two
precursors of silicone, opening a first gate of an optic forming
device, moving the silicone mixture from the extrusion machine into
the optic forming device, cooling the silicone mixture as it enters
the optic forming device, filling a mold within the optic forming
device with the silicone mixture, closing the first gate, and
heating the silicone mixture in the mold to at least partially cure
the silicone. Alternatively, a method for manufacturing an optical
component may include depositing a layer of heat cured silicone
optical material to an optical structure, arranging one or more at
least partially cured silicone optics on the layer of heat cured
silicone optical material, and heating the heat cured silicone
optical material to permanently adhere the one or more at least
partially cured silicone optics to the optical structure.
Inventors: |
Marquardt; Craig Eugene;
(Covington, GA) ; McCanless; Forrest Starnes;
(Oxford, GA) ; Chen; Jie; (Snellville, GA)
; Harvey; John Bryan; (Newark, OH) ; Wu;
Yinan; (Pataskala, OH) ; Weiss; Daniel Aaron;
(Atlanta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABL IP Holding LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005131734 |
Appl. No.: |
17/022427 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14275177 |
May 12, 2014 |
10807329 |
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17022427 |
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61855207 |
May 10, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 48/908 20190201;
G02B 27/30 20130101; G02B 1/041 20130101; B29D 11/00442 20130101;
B29D 11/00269 20130101; B29C 48/12 20190201; B32B 17/10798
20130101; B29L 2011/0016 20130101; B29K 2083/005 20130101; H05K
2201/10106 20130101; B32B 2037/1253 20130101; B29K 2283/005
20130101; B29D 11/00298 20130101; F21V 5/045 20130101; B29D 11/0073
20130101; B29C 48/07 20190201; G02B 1/10 20130101; B29C 48/16
20190201; H05K 3/285 20130101; B29C 48/157 20190201; B29C 48/08
20190201; B29C 65/4835 20130101; B29C 48/022 20190201; B29C 48/9135
20190201; B29C 48/13 20190201; B29C 48/865 20190201; B29C 45/0003
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B29D 11/00 20060101
B29D011/00; B29C 48/07 20060101 B29C048/07; B29C 48/08 20060101
B29C048/08; B29C 48/13 20060101 B29C048/13; B29C 48/16 20060101
B29C048/16; B29C 48/157 20060101 B29C048/157; B29C 48/86 20060101
B29C048/86; G02B 27/30 20060101 G02B027/30; B32B 17/10 20060101
B32B017/10; B29C 65/48 20060101 B29C065/48; F21V 5/04 20060101
F21V005/04; B29C 45/00 20060101 B29C045/00; G02B 1/04 20060101
G02B001/04; G02B 1/10 20060101 G02B001/10 |
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing a light fixture that includes (a) an
artificial light source, and (b) an optical component configured to
direct light emitted from the artificial light source, the method
comprising: manufacturing the optical component by: providing a
glass sheet, providing a pre-molded silicone optic in an only
partially cured state, providing an uncured layer of a silicone
optical material between the pre-molded silicone optic in the only
partially cured state, and the glass sheet, such that the uncured
layer of the silicone optical material is interposed between and
directly contacts both of (a) the pre-molded silicone optic in the
only partially cured state, and (b) the glass sheet, and curing the
layer of the silicone optical material to adhere the pre-molded
silicone optic to the glass sheet, thereby forming the optical
component; and positioning the optical component within the light
fixture such that the pre-molded silicone optic is located between
the glass sheet and the artificial light source, such that when
light is emitted from the artificial light source, the light will
be directed into and pass through the pre-molded silicone optic
prior to passing through the glass sheet.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching the
artificial light source to a heat sink, and wherein a distance
between the glass sheet and the heat sink is approximately one
inch.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising arranging a reflector
adjacent to the artificial light source such that the reflector
extends toward, but is detached from, the pre-molded silicone
optic.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the layer of the silicone optical
material comprises a room temperature vulcanizing silicone or a
liquid silicone rubber.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein curing the layer of the silicone
optical material comprises thermal curing in at least one of (i) a
curing oven and (ii) a continuous kiln with a conveyor belt.
6. A light fixture, comprising: an artificial light source; and an
optical component configured to direct light emitted from the
artificial light source, wherein the optical component includes: a
pre-molded silicone optic initially provided in an only partially
cured state, a pre-formed component, formed of a first material and
having a first region configured to pass light therethrough, and a
silicone optical material that is first interposed between, and
directly contacts, both of (a) the pre-molded silicone optic in the
only partially cured state, and (b) the pre-formed component, and
is subsequently cured to adhere the pre-molded silicone optic to
the pre-formed component; and support structure that positions the
optical component with the pre-molded silicone optic between the
pre-formed component and the artificial light source, such that
when light is emitted from the artificial light source, the light
will be directed into and pass through the pre-molded silicone
optic prior to passing through the first region.
7. The light fixture of claim 6, wherein the support structure
comprises a heat sink to which the artificial light source is
attached.
8. The light fixture of claim 7, wherein a distance between the
first region and the heat sink is approximately one inch.
9. The light fixture of claim 6, further comprising a reflector
adjacent to the artificial light source, such that the reflector
extends toward, but is detached from, the pre-molded silicone
optic.
10. The light fixture of claim 6, wherein the pre-molded silicone
optic comprises a cross-sectional shape comprising a plurality of
wedge-shaped protrusions, and wherein the plurality of wedge-shaped
protrusions extend away from the pre-formed component.
11. The light fixture of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
wedge-shaped protrusions have varying heights that decrease when
moving toward a center of a width of the pre-molded silicone optic,
wherein each low point between adjacent wedge-shaped protrusions is
approximately equidistant from the pre-formed component.
12. The light fixture of claim 10, wherein: the cross-sectional
shape further comprises a portion having a circular protrusion; the
plurality of wedge-shaped protrusions are arranged symmetrically
about the circular protrusion; and the circular protrusion has a
constant radius, and extends a greater distance from the pre-formed
component, compared to a majority of the plurality of wedge-shaped
protrusions.
13. An optical component configured to direct light emitted from an
artificial light source, the optical component comprising: a
pre-formed component, formed of a first material and having a first
region configured to pass light therethrough, wherein: the first
material is not silicone, and the first region is of a constant
thickness and comprises an upper surface and a lower surface; and a
customized optic, formed of silicone and provided on the lower
surface of the first region, such that a portion of the customized
optic at least partially covers the lower surface, wherein: the
customized optic comprises a varying thickness; and the customized
optic is disposed between the pre-formed component and the
artificial light source.
14. The optical component of claim 13, wherein at least a portion
of the customized optic is in intimate contact with the lower
surface of the first region of the pre-formed component.
15. The optical component of claim 13, wherein the first material
comprises glass, and further comprising a layer of silicone optical
material disposed between, and for attaching, the customized optic
and the pre-formed component.
16. The optical component of claim 13, wherein the customized optic
comprises a cross-sectional shape comprising a portion having a
circular protrusion with a constant radius.
17. The optical component of claim 13, wherein the customized optic
comprises a cross-sectional shape comprising a plurality of
wedge-shaped protrusions, and wherein the plurality of wedge-shaped
protrusions extend away from the pre-formed component.
18. The optical component of claim 17, wherein the plurality of
wedge-shaped protrusions have varying heights that decrease when
moving toward a center of a width of the customized optic, wherein
each low point between adjacent wedge-shaped protrusions is
approximately equidistant from the pre-formed component.
19. The optical component of claim 17, wherein: the cross-sectional
shape further comprises a portion having a circular protrusion; the
plurality of wedge-shaped protrusions are arranged symmetrically
about the circular protrusion; and the circular protrusion has a
constant radius, and extends a greater distance from the pre-formed
component, compared to a majority of the plurality of wedge-shaped
protrusions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/275,177, filed May 12, 2014 and
titled "Silicone Optics," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/855,207 filed May 10, 2013 and titled
"Silicone Optics and Methods for Making Same." The contents of both
of the above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entireties for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to silicone
optics for a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) and
methods of making same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electrical lighting and associated light fixtures, or
luminaires, are significant sources of energy consumption
implicating both environmental and energy cost concerns. Based on
estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), lighting
represents 40% of the electrical consumption in a typical
commercial building. U.S. Lighting Energy Policy is moving towards
increased efficiency in order to lower green-house gas emissions
and energy use. Increasing efficiency through maximizing light
output while minimizing losses associated with reflecting light in
unwanted directions are a focus of the lighting industry. In
addition to employing high efficiency light sources, such as light
emitting diodes (LED), high efficiency reflectors and lenses are
necessary.
[0004] There is a need for a long, thin, and optically detailed
lens that is nominally 48'' to 96'' long that is typically used in
indoor, industrial, or specialty luminaires. The cost of the tool
required to injection mold this size optic lens is extremely high,
typically more than $350,000 in 2013. Also the size and weight
(typically thousands of pounds) of the tool makes it difficult to
handle and to transport the tool from storage to the molding
machine. The large size of such a tool limits the type and size of
injection molding machines with which such a tool can be used. Only
the industry's largest machine can support this size of tool, and
part costs increase due to the overhead of running such a large
tool and machine, making it difficult to justify this method of
optic manufacture for use in an economy class luminaire because the
lens cost becomes prohibitive.
[0005] It is possible to extrude such lenses (typically formed from
a polymeric material such as acrylic), provided they have a uniform
profile. However, it is difficult to extrude acrylic poly(methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA)/polycarbonate (PC) optical lenses having a
flat surface with high polish and with no extruding lines that
cause optical striations in the distribution. Moreover, it is also
difficult to successfully extrude lenses having thick to thin parts
(i.e., some parts of the lens profile are thicker than other parts
of the lens profile) because of the inconsistency of
polymerization, cross-linking, or curing of such lenses (i.e., the
thicker parts take longer to cool and harden) which can lead to
unwanted shrinkage, deformation, or distortion of the optical
distribution. Furthermore, these problems also reduce the optical
efficiency. Extrusion machines have limits on the size and thick to
thin ratio that they can handle and extrude properly in order to
produce a useable part. Such limitations limit the available
optical distributions, and some desired distributions may not be
possible. Moreover, limitations inherent in the manufacturing
process of glass and plastic lenses render it extremely difficult
to incorporate fine detail and small-scale features in the
optics.
SUMMARY
[0006] In some aspects, a method for manufacturing an optical
component can include mixing two precursors or portions of silicone
where the two portions may be, for example, (1) a base and a curing
agent or (2) an unpolymerized or partially polymerized resin and a
crosslinking reagent. The method may also include moving the
silicone mixture from the extrusion machine into an optic forming
device, cooling the silicone mixture as it enters the optic forming
device, extruding the silicone mixture through a die, heating the
silicone mixture as it passes through the die to cure the silicone
mixture into the optical component, and cutting the optical
component at a desired length.
[0007] Alternatively, the method can include mixing two portions of
silicone (or precursors), opening a first gate at an upstream end
of an optic forming device, moving the silicone mixture from the
extrusion machine into the optic forming device, cooling the
silicone mixture as it enters the optic forming device, filling a
mold within the optic forming device with the silicone mixture,
closing the first gate, and heating the silicone mixture in the
mold to at least partially cure the silicone.
[0008] Furthermore, a method is provided that includes applying a
layer of heat cured silicone optical material on an optical
structure, arranging one or more at least partially cured silicone
optics on the layer of heat cured silicone optical material, and
heating the heat cured silicone optical material to permanently
adhere the one or more at least partially cured silicone optics to
the optical structure.
[0009] In other aspects, an apparatus for manufacturing an optical
component is provided. The apparatus may include an extrusion
machine with one or more inputs for supplying at least two portions
of silicone (or precursors) to the extrusion machine such that the
at least two portions of silicone combine to form a silicone
mixture, an optic forming device connected to a downstream output
of the extrusion machine such that the optic forming device mounted
on a tool platform and configured to receive the silicone mixture
from the extrusion machine, a cooling unit attached to the optic
forming device adjacent to the interface with the extrusion
machine, and a heating unit attached to the optic forming
device.
[0010] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention may be more clearly understood and appreciated
from a review of the following detailed description and by
reference to the appended drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view depicting an apparatus for
manufacturing an optical component.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic view depicting the
apparatus for manufacturing an optical component of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic view depicting a separable mold for an
apparatus for manufacturing an optical component.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic view depicting a non-separable mold
for an apparatus for manufacturing an optical component.
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a multiple-component optic.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an optic formed with a
second element at least partially encapsulated therein.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the optic of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an optic formed with two
second elements at least partially encapsulated therein.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the optic of FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a multiple-component
discrete optic.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the optic of FIG.
10.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a multiple-component discrete
optic.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view depicting an exploded
wireframe and line drawing views of a multiple-component discrete
optic.
[0024] FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of an optic.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an optic assembly.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a light fixture assembly
including an optic assembly.
[0027] FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C depict front, side, and underneath
views of a light pattern produced from an optic.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention
is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements,
but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope
of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other
ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in
conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This
description should not be interpreted as implying any particular
order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements
except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of
elements is explicitly described.
[0029] Embodiments of the present invention provide an optic formed
at least partially of moldable silicone. Various types of silicone
materials having the properties described herein are available from
Dow Corning ("Dow"). Dow's MS-1002 moldable silicone may be useful
in certain applications. However, other sources for moldable
silicone materials are known or readily identified by those skilled
in the art.
[0030] Such optics may be formed by a variety of methods or
combinations of methods, including extrusion and casting/molding.
Embodiments of the methods contemplated herein use an extrusion
machine to form the optic. Traditional extruder systems include an
extrusion machine that delivers the molten polymeric lens material
(e.g., acrylic) to an extruding die and then on to a separate
shaping die that imparts the final lens shape. The lens material is
exposed to air as it moves between the extruding die and the
shaping die, which accelerates cooling and thus curing
(particularly the outer surface) of the material between the
extruding die and the shaping die. Thus, as the material is fed
through the shaping die, the die tends to scrape the hardened outer
surface or shell of the partially-formed optic, thereby causing
undesirable striations extending along the length of the final
optic.
[0031] Optical pattern molding may include partially or fully
encapsulating a second optical component constructed from a second
material such as glass or another optical material (the second
optical component may be a printed circuit board or a reflector)
within a silicone first optical structure through an injection mold
process machine co-molding the parts together to form a single
device with multiple optical structure components. The resultant
device can include mechanical features or structures for mounting,
sealing, or may include textures or patterns to occlude the view
through the mechanical structure.
[0032] Extruding and Casting Methods
[0033] Embodiments of the methods contemplated herein combine an
extruding die and shaping die into a single optic forming device
having a die or mold therein for forming the optic with the desired
geometry. Embodiments of this system are shown in FIGS. 1-4. The
optic forming device is also provided with heating/cooling elements
to cure the silicone and thereby set it in the desired shape.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, moldable silicone may be formed from two
liquid components combined to form a liquid that is heated to a
curing temperature at which the silicone becomes solid. The first
part 210a and the second part 210b may be, for example, (1) a base
and a curing agent or (2) an unpolymerized or partially polymerized
resin and a crosslinking reagent. While the pre-cured viscosity of
silicone can vary, in some embodiments, it has a viscosity similar
to water. In methods contemplated herein, the first and second
parts 210a and 210b are moved from the extrusion machine 201 to the
optic forming device 202. The optic forming device may be mounted
on a tool platform 203. Very little pressure is required to deliver
the silicone into the optic forming device given its low viscosity.
Cooling elements 204 proximate the entry point into the optic
forming device to ensure that the silicone does not cure too
quickly but rather remains in liquid form for extruding and/or
casting/molding.
[0035] The optic forming device 202 includes an extrusion mechanism
to extrude the silicone optic. After the silicone enters the optic
forming device, it is extruded through a die 206. Heating elements
205 provide heat to cure the silicone. In this way, a silicone
optic can be continuously extruded using the optic forming device
202 and subsequently cut into the desired lengths.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, the optic
forming device 202 includes a mold 301. The liquid silicone flows
into the mold, and, due to its low viscosity, it fills the mold
completely leaving no gaps or shrinkage. The mold 301 may include
locating pins 302 and corresponding holes 303. The heating elements
205 cure the silicone in the mold 301.
[0037] In some embodiments, this casting process is a one shot
process where the mold has the precise dimension and geometry of
the desired optic. Silicone is injected into the mold through a
first gate at an upstream end of the mold and is cured in the mold
(e.g., see FIG. 4). The mold is then opened, the optic removed, the
mold closed again, and the process repeated so as to form
additional, discrete optics. In other embodiments, as depicted in
FIG. 3, the mold is formed by a first half mold 301a and a second
half mold 301b, at least one of which is moveable relative to the
other such that the two halves can be held together by a clamp 304.
After the silicone optic is cured in the mold, the two half molds
are separated to open the mold 301 and allow the molded part to be
removed. The mold 301 is then closed again and the process
repeated. This process can permit over-molding silicone onto other
existing or previously formed components (including pre-molded or
cast materials) such as glass, metals, plastics, printed circuit
boards, materials with optical properties such as a reflector, or a
mechanical fastener device to mount the optic in a luminaire, as
discussed in more detail below. This process may also be used to
over mold several times to build up the desired optical
distribution or properties. Moreover, it is also possible using
this method to form features (e.g., ribs, etc.) on the optic that
are discretely located on the optic (i.e., not continuous) or that
do not extend parallel to the extrusion direction and thus are not
able to be formed using the extrusion process discussed above. Such
features may be desirable (but not required) to control the
distribution of light parallel to the length of the optic.
[0038] The curing process may be limited to a maximum curing
temperature. In particular, when a silicone optic is co-molded with
a second component that is temperature-sensitive. For example, when
co-molding a silicone part with a silicone optic with a circuit
board with soldered connections, a maximum curing temperature of
105.degree. C. may be established.
[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the optic forming device 202
includes a mold 401 that can produce a continuous optic that
includes multiple adjacent segments which are formed sequentially.
As shown in FIG. 4, after an optic is at least partially cured in a
mold 401, it may be moved longitudinally from the mold 401 so as to
allow additional silicone material to fill the mold through the
first gate 402 behind it for a repeated process. For example, a
second gate 403 may be provided at the downstream end of the mold.
After the optic is formed, the second gate 403 may be temporarily
opened to permit at least a portion of the molded optic to move
from the mold, after which, if necessary or desirable, the second
gate 403 may be closed again (or partially closed) and the process
repeated. The molded optic can be moved from the mold using a
variety of methods, including fluid pressure. Fluid may be injected
adjacent to the first gate 402 to move the at least partially cured
optic toward the second gate 403. The fluid used to move the optic
through the mold may be a liquid or a gas including, for example,
water, air, argon gas, carbon dioxide, or any inert gas. The optic
can be formed having any practical length and subsequently cut to
length or separated as needed to produce a part, for example, 24'',
48'', or 96'' long.
[0040] Using fluid to propel the optic is advantageous compared to
other methods known to the art such as ejector pins. Ejector pins
typically leave large witness lines and create images on the
surface along the optic, often in several locations, which is not
desirable for optical performance. When using pressurized fluid,
the fluid can be expelled from one location along the optic (unlike
several ejector pins known to the art) such that the fluid creates
a ripple effect along the optical surface where the fluid moves and
or removes the optic from the mold. The ripple effect is caused by
injecting fluid at one end of the tool at the surface of the
optical finish where the silicone contacts the mold. This forceful
injection of fluid through pneumatics or hydraulics compresses the
silicone part in the mold, creating a small bubble at the interface
between the surface of the mold and the silicone optic part that
propagates along the part to the opposite end of the tool, causing
the part to break free from the mold and begin moving to facilitate
a transition to another stage of the process for additional over
molding, continuous molding, or removal of the part all together
from the mold.
[0041] The silicone is heat cured and initially forms a shell at
the optic surface. Because silicone has no significant
expansion/contraction differential, curing of the inner part of the
optic after the outer part is cured does not distort the outer
shell. Thus, it is possible to mold very complex and detailed
optics with high thick to thin ratios using silicone. It is also
possible to remove the silicone optic from the optic forming device
before it is completely cured to increase production efficiency.
Rather, the silicone can be sufficiently cured in the optic forming
device to be self-supporting and then removed from the optic
forming device. The partially-cured optic can be set aside or
further heated to realize full cure without distorting the shape of
the optic.
[0042] Embodiments of optics contemplated herein can include linear
optics or round or otherwise discrete optics. Such optics may be
formed by the processes described above or by other processes known
in the art.
[0043] A continuous linear optic may be formed entirely of
silicone. The optic may be formed of any length. In some
embodiments, the optic is slim in width compared to its length. In
some embodiments, the optic length is between 24'' and 96'' long,
inclusive.
[0044] A silicone optic may also be extruded or cast/molded onto an
existing or previously formed component (including pre-molded or
cast materials) such as glass, metals, plastics, printed circuit
boards, materials with optical properties such as a reflector, or a
mechanical fastener device to mount the optic in a luminaire. For
example, FIG. 5 illustrates an optic formed by co-extruding two
brackets 501, a first previously formed component 503, and a second
previously formed component 504. A similar arrangement could be
created in a mold. The first previously formed component 503 may
be, for example, a phosphor lens and the second previously formed
component 504 may be, for example, a diffuser lens. A silicone
optic 505 is subsequently extruded or molded over the existing
optic. While not required, the illustrated silicone optic 505 may
not be of consistent thickness but rather may have a high thick to
thin ratio so as to better shape and control the light emitted from
the optic. The optic may be designed to emit light in a single
direction or in multiple directions.
[0045] Moldable silicone typically does exhibit room temperature
vulcanizing (RTV), meaning that by its nature it does not tend to
stick or otherwise attach easily to other materials. Rather,
mechanical retention may be necessary to attach some embodiments of
the silicone optics disclosed herein to other structures. For
example, structures or mechanical features such as voids (e.g.,
grooves, holes, etc.) may be provided in an existing structure over
which the silicone is molded so that the silicone fills the voids
and, when cured, is mechanically interlocked with the existing
structure. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which grooves 502
are provided on one or both of the mounting brackets for this
purpose and the silicone fills the grooves to interlock the
silicone optic with the existing optic. Components with multiple
layers of differing materials as shown in FIG. 5, may be
constructed on a rotary tool.
[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the optic 601 is formed with a
reflector 602 or other element at least partially encapsulated
within it, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. For example, a reflector 602 may
be positioned in a mold and the silicone material cast or molded to
form the desired optic 601 and so as to partially or entirely
encapsulate the reflector 602. In the embodiment of FIG. 6,
apertures 603 extend through a portion of the reflector body. When
the silicone is cast around the reflector 602, it fills such
apertures 603 so that, when cured, the silicone optic 601 is
mechanically interlocked to the reflector body. As shown in FIGS.
6-9, the optic 601 may be extruded or cast/molded to include one or
more recessed areas to at least partially surround an adjacent
component. For example, the optics shown in FIGS. 6-9 include a
recessed area located near an adjacent component 604 where the
adjacent component 604 may be one or more light sources.
[0047] Optic 601 typically may be up to 24 inches wide (i.e., the
transverse direction in FIGS. 7 and 9) with a continuous length or
any practical length (i.e., the longitudinal direction in FIGS. 6
and 8). Further, modular sizes may be from 1 to 12 inches, 12 to 24
inches, 24 to 48 inches, and 48 inches or longer for continuous run
luminaires.
[0048] It may also be desirable, in some embodiments, subsequently
to attach a cured optic to another structure, such as (but not
limited to) a printed circuit board populated with one or more
adjacent components 604 such as light sources (the light source may
be, for example, an LED). FIGS. 6-9 illustrate embodiments of the
optic 601 provided with a mounting flange 605 or flanges that are
partially encapsulated in the optic 601 but that include an exposed
portion (i.e., see mounting flange 605) that extends from the optic
601. The exposed portion of the mounting flange 605 is provided
with apertures 603 to receive mechanical fasteners for attaching
the optic 601 to another structure. In the figures, each mounting
flange 605 is shown formed integrally with a reflector 602 but such
need not be the case. Moreover, in some embodiments, a reflector
602 is provided without a mounting flange 605 and in other
embodiments a mounting flange 605 is provided without a reflector
602. Obviously many other types of mountings structures (e.g.,
mounting brackets, etc.) can be molded directly into the optic 601
and used to attach the optic 601 to another structure. Embodiments
are certainly not intended to be limited to the mounting flanges
illustrated in the figures.
[0049] Methods for Discrete Lenses
[0050] Silicone optics need not be formed only as linear optics.
Rather, the present disclosure related to silicone or other
materials may also be used in forming discrete lenses. It can be
difficult to manufacture discrete lenses with the structure needed
(e.g., with the necessary thick to thin ratio, etc.) to achieve a
desired optical distribution. In some embodiments, silicone may be
used to enhance the optical properties of the lens. FIGS. 10-13
illustrate an embodiment of a round lens that has an optic shell of
a first material 1001 (e.g., glass, plastic, etc. in the figures).
The shell 1001 has a geometry (e.g., consistent thickness) that
renders it easy to manufacture but that provides only generic light
distribution. A silicone optic 1002 may be used to enhance and
customize that distribution. More specifically, silicone may be
molded or cast on the outside or underside of the pre-formed optic
shell to add shape to the lens so as to achieve the desired light
distribution. As shown in FIG. 11, structures or mechanical
features such as voids 1003 (e.g., grooves, holes, etc.) may be
provided in the flange on the optic shell so that, when the
silicone is molded or cast on the shell 1001, it fills the voids
1003 and thus mechanically interlocks the shell and silicone layers
together with the first material 1001.
[0051] The shell 1001 may be formed of glass and the silicone optic
1002 may be molded on the underside of the glass directly over the
light source 604 or internal to the luminaire such that the
silicone is not exposed to the outside of the luminaire. In this
way, the outer shell of glass creates a clean smooth surface that
is hard and resistant to scratching and other normal wear as well
as dirt build-up. The internal layer of silicone provides precise
and sharp inner optical shapes with no draft (i.e., taper with
respect to a parting line) and some slight undercuts to control the
optics to a higher level of optical efficiency over solid glass or
plastic parts. As shown in FIG. 11, one or more grooves 1003 may be
provided for the purpose of ensuring mechanical attachment between
shell 1001 and silicone optic 1002 where the silicone fills the
grooves to interlock the silicone optic 1002 with the existing
optic shell 1001.
[0052] Silicone can be molded, cast, or extruded directly onto one
or more first materials where the first materials are, for example,
optical plastic grade acrylic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA),
polycarbonate (PC), or glass. The index of refraction is different
for each material. As the materials are bonded, each pair of
materials creates an internal surface at the interface of the
different materials not visible to an unaided human eye. There is
an interstitial interface at the internal surface, and the
interstitial interface is continuous between the different
materials such that there is no free air between the two materials.
The interstitial interface refracts light with fewer losses and,
consequently, higher performance than if an air gap exists between
materials. The elimination of the air gap between materials ensures
that losses are minimized because the elimination of the air gap
causes more light to pass through the interstitial interface
compared to light reflected in unwanted directions due to
reflections created at the interface of a lens and an air gap. The
elimination of the air gap yields an increase in performance
efficiency of 30% to 50% compared to known reflection losses with
air to surface reflections. The performance gains are due to (1)
the interstitial interface and (2) the additional fine detail
(small-scale features) of the silicone optical structure compared
to glass. The size and geometry of glass structure is limited due
to the molding temperatures of glass which result in fine details
breaking off during the cooling process. Further, glass requires
steel tools, which, if built with the fine details seen in the
silicone optics herein, will fracture in the molding process due to
the high temperature of the molten glass.
[0053] The speed of light depends on the material properties of the
object through which the light is travelling (i.e., air, water,
glass, plastic, etc.) and all materials have an index of refraction
(n) to define the speed at which light passes through the
respective material. In addition, based on the index of refraction
and the associated speed, the angle of incidence (i.e., the angle
with respect to the normal direction of the surface of the object
through which the light passes) changes as light moves from one
material to another (i.e., from air into a lens). In other words,
the travel direction of light "bends" as it passes from a first
material to a second material. Further, the amount of bending that
occurs when the light enters the second material is proportional to
the ratio of the indices of refraction of the first and second
materials such that less bending will occur if the two materials
have similar indices of refraction. Because, as described above,
the interstitial interface eliminates any air gap between the
silicone and the adjacent component to which it is bonded, the
light bending that occurs is easier to control and calculate
resulting in increased optical performance. For example, there is
only one bending occurrence (lens-to-silicone) whereas a
configuration with an air gap would result in two bending
occurrences (lens-to-air and air-to-silicone). Furthermore, the
materials can be selected to ensure similar indices of refraction
to limit the amount of bending to better control and predict
resultant light output and maximize efficiency.
[0054] Based on the respective indices of refraction, a critical
angle can be calculated for the interface between two known
materials. When light is incident on a surface of a material, the
light can pass entirely through the material (either at the angle
of incidence or at a refracted angle), part of the light can pass
through the material and part of the light can be reflected at the
surface, or, if the angle of incidence equals or is greater than
the critical angle, all of the light can be reflected by the
material (called total internal reflection or TIR). The critical
angle is the minimum threshold angle with respect to the axis
normal to the surface of a material at which light incident on the
material surface will be totally internally reflected by the
material (i.e., will not pass through the material but be entirely
reflected by the material). The exact value of the critical angle
depends upon the material used for the optic and its index of
refraction. Different combinations of materials have different
critical angles.
[0055] Total internal reflection (TIR) limits the degree to which
light can be refracted or bent by an optic and thus limits the
angular range at which light can exit an optic. The hybrid optics
described herein can be used to bend light more often and
collectively to a greater extent than traditional optics to achieve
light emission from the optic within a wider angular range. More
specifically and as described above, the use of the interstitial
interface allows two materials to be layered (without an air gap in
between) such that light can be precisely controlled and provides
three opportunities to bend the light including (1) geometric
features at the entry surface of the first material, (2) the
interstitial interface between the first material and the second
material, and (3) geometric features at the exit surface of the
second material. The collective angle at which the light is
refracted or bent by these three surfaces can exceed the critical
angle while avoiding TIR. Of course, additional layers can be added
to the optic, which would increase the number of opportunities for
bending of light. Accordingly, because of the interstitial
interface (or interstitial interfaces if the lens has more than two
layers) and depending on the geometric features and materials
chosen for the lens, lenses can be built that are capable of
refracting light from any angle from 0.degree. (parallel to the
normal direction) to approximately 90.degree. (perpendicular to the
normal direction) including angles greater than the critical
angle.
[0056] Place Bonding Methods
[0057] Co-molded optics can be made from any material suitable for
optical transfer or reflection including but not limited to
plastic, glass, silicone, metal, or film and can be bonded to a
second material using a bonding substrate material to permanently
adhere the optic structure to a second optical structure
(constructed from the second material) to enhance optical
properties.
[0058] One example of an assembled light fixture including a place
bonded silicone optic 1400 is shown in FIG. 16. The light source
604 is attached to a heat sink 1603 with an adjacent reflector 1602
such that light is directed into the pre-molded or pre-cast
silicone optic 1400 before finally passing through the second
material 1501. The efficiency of the pre-molded or pre-cast
silicone optic 1400 combined with reflector 1602 allows dimension H
to be approximately 1 inch. Conventional light fixture arrangements
often require approximately 6 inches for dimension H. Accordingly,
the silicone optics described herein may help reduce weight,
physical dimensions, and inefficiencies associated with traditional
lighting fixtures.
[0059] A method of "place bonding" where pre-molded or pre-cast
silicone optics are arranged adjacent to other optical or
mechanical materials such as directly onto a second material (i.e.,
a sheet of glass) typically used on luminaires as a lens or
reflector cover to keep the luminaire interior sealed (i.e., to
ensure that the interior of the luminaire is free of contaminants
such as dirt and rainwater). It is possible to directly mold
silicone optics onto glass using a standard injection molding
machine, but the costs associated with standard over mold tooling
are high and such methods are time consuming because a tool must be
designed and manufactured specifically for each application. From a
business perspective, these methods are undesirable because it is
difficult to amortize or recoup the cost of the tool during typical
short life product runs. Accordingly, one solution is to employ a
method using a "place bonding" template die that is placed over the
second material. Pre-molded or pre-cast optics can be placed into
the die openings by hand or using pick and place robotic system. To
seal the components, a heat cured silicone optical material may be
used to bond the pre-cast/pre-molded optic 1400 to the second
material 1501. The heat cured silicone optical material may be a
room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant or a liquid silicone
rubber (LSR). One example of a pre-molded or pre-cast silicone
optic 1400 is shown in FIGS. 14A-17. Once the optic 1400 has been
placed with the RTV or LSR bonding material 1502, the complete part
1500 will be inserted in a thermal curing oven to cure the bonding
material 1502 (see FIG. 15). A lehr (i.e., a continuous furnace
that is a long oven or kiln with a conveyor belt) could also be
used to cure the bonding material 1502.
[0060] Optic 1400 typically may be up to 24 inches wide (i.e., in
the Y-direction in FIGS. 14A and 14B) with a continuous length or
any practical length (i.e., in the X-direction in FIGS. 14A and
14B). Further, modular sizes from 1 to 12 inches, 12 to 24 inches,
24 to 48 inches, and 48 inches or longer for continuous run
luminaires.
[0061] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention.
Further modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be
apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Different
arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or
described above, as well as components and steps not shown or
described are possible. Similarly, some features and
subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to
other features and subcombinations. Embodiments of the invention
have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes,
and alternative embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the present
invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or
depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications
can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
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