Area Light Heat Sink with Positioning Fins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing area lights and kick lights lack versatility in positioning and efficient heat management, making them less effective for illuminating difficult-to-reach areas and prone to overheating.
Innovation Solution
A DC-powered LED-based area light with a rechargeable battery receptacle and a U-shaped heat sink, featuring multiple positioning surfaces and a heat dissipation system with fins, allowing for flexible placement and effective heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If existing area lights are used to illuminate difficult-to-reach areas, then illumination function is provided, but heat management is inefficient causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is divided into multiple fins that segment the heat dissipation surface, increasing the total surface area for heat transfer. This segmentation allows heat to be distributed across multiple contact points with the base surface, improving thermal management efficiency and preventing localized overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink extends vertically from the housing base into the illumination area, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to create additional heat dissipation surface. The fins project downward to contact the base surface, adding a vertical heat transfer pathway that complements the traditional horizontal dissipation method.
2Adaptability or versatility
If area lights are positioned to illuminate specific areas, then illumination target is achieved, but positioning versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink fins serve multiple functions: they act as structural support elements, heat dissipation surfaces, and positioning contacts with the base surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, allowing the light to be easily placed on various surfaces while maintaining stable orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat sink structure automatically provides positioning functionality without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms. When placed on a base surface, the fins naturally contact the surface to stabilize the light's position and orientation, enabling self-positioning and easy relocation to different areas.
3Use of energy by moving object
If DC-powered LED-based lighting is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but heat dissipation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat byproduct of efficient LED operation into a beneficial thermal management system. The extensive fin structure captures and dissipates the heat that would otherwise accumulate, transforming the waste heat problem into an opportunity for enhanced thermal control and extended operational reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a versatile and reliable lighting solution that can be easily positioned to illuminate various areas without overheating, ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink thermally coupled to the light source
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of fins. Each fin extends from one of the first leg and the second leg
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of fins. Each fin extends from one of the first leg and the second leg
Data Source
AI summary
A work light includes a housing including a first end portion, a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and a center portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The work light also includes a battery receptacle located on the housing and configured to receive a battery. The work light also includes a light source supported by the housing and a heat sink thermally coupled to the light source. The heat sink includes a contact plate extending through the center portion of the housing and a first leg supported proximate the first end portion. The first leg extends from the contact plate in a direction generally perpendicular to the contact plate. The heat sink also includes a second leg supported proximate the second end portion and extending from the contact plate in a direction generally perpendicular to the contact plate. The heat sink also includes a plurality of fins. Each fin extends from one of the first leg and the second leg.