Edge Lighted Panel With Flexible Circuit Board And Adhesive Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel lighting systems face challenges in heat dissipation, visual effect, and manufacturability, particularly in non-traditional or specialty installations that require minimized clearances and specialized materials, making it difficult to design lighting fixtures that satisfy all these considerations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A panel lighting system featuring a planar translucent panel with a channel along its periphery, a flexible circuit board with LEDs mounted on its surface, and an adhesive strip to secure the circuit board within the channel, along with a heat dissipation layer and edge connector for efficient power and signal transmission, allowing for flexible mounting and effective heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional lighting fixtures are used, then utility lighting function is provided, but heat dissipation is poor and visual effect is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional point-source or area lighting to edge lighting by positioning LEDs along the periphery of the panel. This dimensional change allows light to be emitted from the edges, creating uniform illumination across the panel surface while improving heat dissipation through the edge-mounted structure that exposes LEDs to ambient air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective layer positioned behind the translucent panel to redirect light that would otherwise be lost backward. This intermediary element enhances the forward light output and uniformity without adding significant thermal load, effectively mediating between the light source and the illumination target.
2Volume of moving object
If minimized clearances are required, then installation space is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the light source to the edge of the panel rather than mounting it on the surface, the patent reduces the clearance space needed behind the panel while maintaining effective heat dissipation. The edge-mounted LEDs are exposed to ambient air from the front and sides, allowing heat to dissipate in multiple directions without requiring deep rear clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin flexible circuit board to mount the LEDs, allowing the lighting assembly to be installed in locations with minimal clearance. The flexible substrate can conform to tight spaces while the edge-positioned LEDs maintain their thermal exposure to ambient air.
3Illumination intensity
If specialized materials are used, then visual effect is enhanced, but manufacturability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a translucent panel that serves multiple functions: it diffuses light to create uniform illumination, provides a aesthetic visual effect, and acts as a protective cover for the LED assembly. This multi-functional element eliminates the need for separate decorative and protective components, simplifying manufacturing while enhancing visual appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective layer is positioned and configured to replicate the light distribution pattern desired in the final installation. By carefully positioning the reflective surface, the system achieves uniform light output without requiring complex optical elements or specialized materials, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Illumination intensity
If edge lighting configuration is used, then uniform glow and minimized shadows are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a shallow channel or recess along the edge of the panel to house the LED strip. This dimensional feature allows the LEDs to be positioned precisely at the edge while maintaining a sleek appearance. The channel structure is simple to manufacture using standard panel fabrication techniques and does not require complex assembly procedures.
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 a uniform glow, minimizes shadows, and enhances the brightness of the panel while maintaining a compact design, effectively addressing the challenges of heat dissipation and manufacturability while offering a visually appealing solution.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible circuit board comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) sequentially mounted on a front planar surface of the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive strip mounted on the front planar surface of the circuit board adjacent the LEDs. The planar translucent panel comprising a first ledge extending away from the top edge and a second ledge extending away from the bottom edge such that the first ledge and the second ledge cooperatively define the channel, and the circuit board is adhered to at least one of the first ledge and the second ledge by the adhesive strip
Data Source
AI summary
A panel lighting system includes a translucent panel formed to include a channel in a boundary wall of the translucent panel. A flexible circuit board may be mounted on the boundary wall such that LEDs mounted sequentially on the flexible circuit board extend into the channel. The LEDs may be fixedly maintained in the channel by the flexible circuit board being adhesively coupled with the boundary wall adjacent the channel. The system may also include an edge connector coupled to the boundary wall. The edge connector may be a corner edge connector or a side edge connector configured to fixedly hold a coupler that couples and provides strain relief for a cable.