Laundry Drum Illumination PCB for Low-Energy LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machine drum illumination systems, typically using bulb lamps, face limitations due to high energy consumption and reduced bulb lifespan in hot and humid environments.
Innovation Solution
A drum illumination device employing semiconductor or plasma light emitting elements, such as LEDs, with a metal substrate printed circuit board for mechanical support and heat dissipation, and an optic case element for protection, offering reduced energy consumption and optimized illumination direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a bulb lamp is used for drum illumination, then sufficient light intensity is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from traditional bulb lamp to semiconductor light emitting element (LED), which operates at different electrical and thermal parameters, achieving lower energy consumption while maintaining adequate illumination for drum visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal incandescence mechanism of bulb lamps with the electroluminescence mechanism of semiconductor LEDs, substituting a thermal-based optical system with a direct electrical-to-optical conversion system that is inherently more energy efficient
2Reliability
If a bulb lamp is used in the hot and humid dryer environment, then illumination is provided, but the lifetime of the bulb lamp is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that while LEDs have longer lifetime, the entire illumination assembly including the PCB-mounted LED array is designed as a replaceable unit that can be easily exchanged, making the system maintenance-friendly despite the improved component lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a PCB-mounted LED array as an intermediary light source that is less sensitive to hot and humid conditions compared to traditional bulb lamps, providing a buffer between the harsh dryer environment and the light emitting element
3Use of energy by moving object
If a semiconductor light emitting element is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but mechanical stress sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the fragile LED elements, establishes electrical connections to power them, and acts as a heat dissipation pathway, consolidating several requirements into a single universal component
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB acts as an intermediary rigid substrate that shields the fragile semiconductor LED elements from direct mechanical stress, absorbing and distributing mechanical loads away from the sensitive light emitting components
4Illumination intensity
If the light emitting element is arranged close to the drum interior, then effective illumination is achieved, but heat transfer to the light emitting element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat exposure into a beneficial heat dissipation pathway by designing the PCB with extended regions that conduct heat away from the LED elements to areas with better thermal ventilation, making the proximity to drum interior advantageous for heat removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive thermal insulation approaches with active thermal conduction through the PCB structure, using the metal substrate's high thermal conductivity to actively transport heat away from the LED elements to designated heat dissipation zones
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 efficient illumination with lower energy consumption, extended component lifespan, and improved mechanical stability, ensuring effective light distribution within the drum while withstanding harsh laundry machine conditions.
Implementation Method 1
metal substrates are superior in heat dissipation or conduction as compared to plastics or resin substrates, which means that heat generated by the light emitting element or being transferred from the drum interior to the drum illumination device is efficiently dissipated over the PCB
Implementation Method 2
The at least one light emitting element is arranged on a printed circuit board... The light emitting element may be a light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 3
at least one semiconductor or plasma light emitting element which has or have reduced energy consumption as compared to a bulb lamp with the same light intensity emitted into the drum's interior
Data Source
AI summary
A laundry machine, in particular dryer, wash dryer or washing machine, includes: a body having a laundry loading opening; a drum, rotatably supported in the body; and a drum illumination device (10) for illuminating the interior of the drum. The drum illumination device (10) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB; 16) and at least one semiconductor or plasma light emitting element (19) arranged on the PCB (16), in particular at least one light emitting diode (LED).