Ceramic Envelope Illumination Device for Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination devices with transmissive ceramic layers face challenges in miniaturization and high light intensity applications due to heat-related issues that deteriorate luminescent materials and compromise the robustness of other components.

Innovation Solution

An illumination device design featuring a ceramic envelope with a transmissive part for light transmission and a reflective ceramic part for heat dissipation, where the luminescent material is positioned remotely from the light source, facilitating efficient heat transfer and robust color mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the luminescent material is positioned close to the light source to improve light conversion efficiency, then the light conversion efficiency is improved, but the temperature increases causing deterioration of the luminescent material and thermal quenching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight conversion efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature of luminescent material

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device is divided into distinct functional zones: a light source chamber containing the high-power LED, a separate luminescent material chamber positioned remotely from the light source, and a transmissive ceramic layer. This segmentation allows the light source to operate at high power while the luminescent material is exposed to reduced thermal stress, preventing deterioration and thermal quenching while maintaining efficient light conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the illumination device is miniaturized to reduce size, then the device compactness is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidheat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs composite ceramic materials with specific thermal and optical properties. The transmissive ceramic layer and envelope are made from materials that provide both optical transparency/transmission and high thermal conductivity, enabling effective heat dissipation in a compact form factor. The ceramic composition is optimized to balance optical performance and thermal management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Illumination intensity

If high power LEDs are used to increase light intensity, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the heat generation increases causing component failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensityVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A transmissive ceramic layer serves as an intermediary between the high-power LED light source and the luminescent material. This ceramic layer efficiently conducts heat away from the light source while maintaining optical transparency, allowing high light intensity output without compromising component durability. The ceramic acts as a thermal bridge that protects sensitive components from excessive heat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Temperature

If the luminescent material is positioned remotely from the light source to reduce heat exposure, then the thermal stress on luminescent material is reduced, but the light mixing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stress on luminescent materialVSAvoidlight mixing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmissive ceramic layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits light efficiently from the light source to the luminescent material, conducts heat away from the light source to protect components, and provides a optically active path length for effective light mixing. This multi-functionality enables remote positioning of the luminescent material without compromising light mixing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration enhances light source efficiency, achieves effective heat dissipation, and improves color rendering with ceramic materials providing high thermal conductivity, leading to improved system efficacy and durability.

Implementation Method 1

luminescent material, arranged to absorb at least part of the light source light and emit luminescent material light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the transmissive part is further arranged to transfer heat to the heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a reflective part, arranged to reflect at least part of the light source light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2435752B1Illumination device with an envelope enclosing a light source

Publication Date: 2017.08.23 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 1g~1i

AI summary

The invention provides an illumination device comprising an envelope enclosing a light source, preferably a LED, and a luminescent material. The envelope comprises a transmissive part, and a reflective part, wherein the reflective part comprises a reflective ceramic material. The ceramic material can be used for heat dissipation.