Dual-Layer LED Grow Light System for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED grow-light systems experience a rapid die-off in light density and intensity from the central portion to the outer edges, leading to inefficient lighting and a large footprint, and are not well-suited for vertical grow beds, requiring manual adjustment to accommodate plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A dual-layer LED grow-light system with spatially and physically modulated LED light bars, controlled by a microprocessor-based module, that adjusts light intensity and positioning to maintain uniform lighting, using T-slot interconnects for structural assembly and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED light bars are arranged in a conventional single-layer configuration, then the system structure is simple, but light density and intensity die off rapidly from the central portion to the outer edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple separate LED light bar layers (first layer and second layer) positioned at different heights. Each layer contains multiple LED light bars that can be independently arranged and controlled, allowing light to be distributed more uniformly across the grow bed surface by stacking layers rather than using a single complex array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer (2D) lighting arrangement to a multi-layer (3D) vertical stacking configuration. By positioning LED light bars at different vertical levels and orientations, the system creates a three-dimensional light distribution pattern that eliminates the rapid die-off effect observed in conventional single-layer systems.
2Illumination intensity
If the LED grow-light system uses a larger footprint to cover the entire grow bed, then light coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized lighting zones by positioning specific LED light bars in the first layer and corresponding LED light bars in the second layer to target specific regions of the grow bed. This allows different areas to receive customized light intensity and spectral composition, eliminating the need to uniformly illuminate the entire grow bed area and reducing wasted energy in regions where plants do not require maximum light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs independently controllable LED light bars in each layer that can be dynamically adjusted in intensity and timing. This dynamic control allows the system to provide high light coverage only when and where needed, rather than continuously illuminating the entire footprint area, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective light coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the LED grow-light system is designed for vertical grow beds, then space utilization is improved, but the system requires manual adjustment to accommodate plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that automatically detect plant growth stage and height, and the microprocessor controller automatically adjusts the positioning and light intensity of LED light bars in both layers based on this sensor data. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual adjustment of the vertical lighting system, allowing it to adapt continuously to plant growth while maintaining optimal lighting conditions.
4Illumination intensity
If LED light bars are positioned closer to the grow bed, then light intensity on plants is improved, but the system cannot accommodate plant growth without manual repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses independently controllable LED light bars in two vertical layers that can be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured. As plants grow, the system automatically adjusts the vertical positioning and light intensity of each layer through motorized mechanisms controlled by the microprocessor, maintaining optimal light intensity on plant leaves throughout the growth cycle without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors that continuously monitor plant height and growth stage, providing feedback to the microprocessor controller. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the positioning and intensity of LED light bars in both layers, ensuring that light intensity remains optimal as plants grow taller, thereby accommodating plant growth while maintaining high light intensity.
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 system provides uniform light distribution and intensity across a grow bed, reducing light die-off at edges, maintaining a compact footprint, and allowing for automated vertical adjustment to accommodate plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
The dual-layer LED grow-light system includes a number of LED light bars, that are preferably elongated linear LED light bars
Data Source
AI summary
A LED grow-light system is disclosed. The LED grow-light system includes one or more grow-light canopies with linear LED light bars to provide upward and downward lighting in a central illumination area. The LED light bars are preferably configured to move up and down relative to a grow bed. The LED grow-light system or grow-light canopies constructed using T-slot interconnects that lock into T-channels of the T-slot bars and/or T-slot light bars.