Double Insulation Frame for Light Guide Panel Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing frames for supporting light guide panels in luminaires often require costly safety measures due to the need for isolated drivers, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A frame design that provides double insulation for the solid state light source using a circuit board with an electrically insulating outer perimeter and an additional insulation layer, allowing for the use of a non-isolated driver while still meeting safety standards, by ensuring electrical insulation through materials with a proof tracking index greater than 600 and adequate creepage distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an isolated driver is used to meet safety requirements, then safety compliance is improved, but production costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into two distinct layers: a first insulation layer between the circuit board and frame, and a second insulation layer between the driver and frame. This segmentation allows each layer to provide basic insulation independently, achieving double insulation without requiring a complex isolated driver design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces insulation layers as intermediary elements between the electrical components (circuit board, driver) and the frame. These intermediary insulation layers create electrical separation and provide the required safety isolation, replacing the need for complex isolated driver architecture.
2Reliability
If an isolated driver is used to meet safety requirements, then safety compliance is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive insulation layers (such as insulating films or coatings) as disposable protective elements that provide the required safety function. These cheap insulation components replace the need for expensive isolated driver units, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining safety compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layers serve as simple intermediary elements that are easy to manufacture and apply. By using these basic insulating materials between components and the frame, the patent achieves safety compliance without the high costs associated with isolated driver design.
3Reliability
If double insulation is provided through circuit board and insulation layer arrangement, then safety compliance with basic insulation is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide basic insulation between live parts and the frame, provide creepage and clearance distances, and can also serve as mounting surfaces or structural elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate insulation components, simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the insulation function with existing structural elements. The first insulation layer is integrated between the circuit board and frame, while the second insulation layer is integrated between the driver and frame. By merging insulation requirements into existing component arrangements, the patent avoids adding separate complex insulation structures.
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 design reduces production costs by enabling the use of a cheaper and smaller driver while maintaining safety compliance, as it achieves basic insulation levels according to international standards, such as IEC 60112, for various voltage ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation layer being electrically insulating, the insulation layer having a surface area larger than a surface area of the circuit board; wherein the insulation layer is arranged on the frame; wherein the circuit board is arranged on the insulation layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a frame (100) for supporting a light guide panel (120). The frame (100) being provided with: a solid state light source (102) connected to and arranged on a circuit board (104), the circuit board (104) comprising an electrically insulating outer perimeter portion (104a); an insulation layer (106) being electrically insulating, the insulation layer (106) having a surface area larger than a surface area of the circuit board (104); wherein the insulation layer (106) is arranged on the frame (100); the circuit board (104) is arranged on the insulation layer (106) such that an insulating outer perimeter portion (106a) of the insulation layer (106) is formed outside of the circuit board (106); thereby providing a double insulation of the solid state light source (102) in relation to the frame (100). The invention also relates to a luminaire (130) comprising the frame (100).