Reflector and lamp comprised thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of a reflector and a lamp that utilizes the reflector and light-emitting diode (LED) devices to generate an optical intensity distribution substantially similar to that of a conventional incandescent light bulb. The lamp can include a heat dissipating assembly with one or more heat dissipating elements disposed annularly about the envelope and spaced apart from the envelope in order to promote convective airflow. In one embodiment, the reflector operates as a total internal reflection (TIR) lens.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to lighting and lighting devices and, more particularly, to embodiments of a lamp that utilizes a directional light source and a reflector to generate an optical intensity distribution substantially similar to the optical intensity distribution of common incandescent lamps.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Incandescent lamps (e.g., integral incandescent light bulbs and halogen light bulbs) mate with a lamp socket via a threaded base connector (i.e. an “Edison base” in the context of an incandescent light bulb), a bayonet-type base connector (i.e. bayonet base in the context of an incandescent light bulb), or other standard base connector. These incandescent lamps are often in the form of a unitary package that includes components to operate the lamps from a source of standard electrical power (e.g., 110 V and / 02 220 V AC and / or 12 VDC and / or DC batteries). In the case of an incandesce...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Accordingly, a LED lamp that further encourages households and commercial establishments to convert from conventional incandescent lamps and to install more energy efficient lamps (e.g., LED lamps) is desirable. Consequently, a need exists for a lamp that more closely generates light with a uniform optical intensity distribution that is consistent with an incandescent lamp while delivering superior performance with respect to average lifespan of the lamp and to efficacy. Additionally, a need exists for a solid-state lighting device such as an LED lamp that dissipates heat effectively and efficiently without adversely affecting the uniformity of the optical intensity distribution of the LED lamp.

Problems solved by technology

LED-based devices do have one significant disadvantage in some applications; namely, LED-based devices are highly unidirectional by nature.

Thus, although superior with respect to certain performance aspects, the intensity distribution of many commercially available LED lamps designed to be suitable alternative and / or replacement for incandescent lamps cannot replicate the intensity distribution of incandescent lamps in satisfactory manner or to a sufficient extent.

Another challenge related to solid-state lighting technologies is the need to find a way to dissipate heat adequately.

Unfortunately, the heat sink, depending on the placement thereof, may block all or a portion of the light that the LED lamp emits, thus, may limit further the ability of the LED lamp to generate light with a more uniform optical intensity distribution.

Moreover, physical constraints on lamps such as regulatory limits that define maximum dimensions for all lamp components, including light sources, limit further an ability to dissipate heat sufficiently and efficiently for LED-based lamps

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