Edge-Lit Panel Module Layout for Larger Emission Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge-lit LED panels face challenges with inferior illumination properties and complex, cost-inefficient assembly due to the arrangement of components, which often results in reduced effective light emission areas and increased material costs.
Innovation Solution
A panel module design where the driver unit is positioned behind the optical elements within a first frame, reducing light obstruction and allowing for enhanced illumination properties, with a simplified assembly process using a clip arrangement and 3D-printed aluminum frames, minimizing components and material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the driver unit is arranged beside the optical element, then the assembly is simplified, but the effective light emission area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The driver unit is moved from a lateral arrangement (beside the optical element) to a depth-based arrangement (behind the optical element in the first space). This dimensional repositioning allows the driver unit to occupy space that does not interfere with the light emission path, thereby maximizing the effective light emission area while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Shape
If the driver unit is arranged beside the optical element, then the structure is compact, but the illumination properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the driver unit to the first space behind the optical element, the design maintains structural compactness within the frame while eliminating light obstruction. This spatial rearrangement ensures that the driver unit does not block the light path, thereby preserving superior illumination properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If the first frame is made wider to accommodate the driver unit beside the optical element, then the driver unit can be integrated, but the effective area of the optical element decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver unit and optical element are merged into a single integrated structure where the driver unit is positioned within the first frame behind the optical element. This integration eliminates the need for additional lateral space, allowing both components to coexist in a compact arrangement that maximizes the effective optical element area.
4Illumination intensity
If more components are used to achieve superior illumination properties, then the illumination quality improves, but the assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driver unit and optical element are merged into a single integrated assembly where the driver unit is positioned behind the optical element within the first frame. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining superior illumination properties through optimized light path design.
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 enhances optical properties by increasing the effective light emission area, reduces assembly complexity and costs, and allows for easier integration of RF-transparent components, resulting in improved illumination efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
optical elements (135) which are configured to impact on light emitted from a lighting arrangement (130)
Implementation Method 2
The panels may disperse the light evenly and uniformly as is well known in the art for backlighting of displays
Implementation Method 3
The first frame (110) has been extruded by a 3D-printing process
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
A panel module (100), comprising a first frame (110) arranged in a first plane (P), and at least one optical element (135) elongating along the first plane. The first frame is at least partially hollow and arranged to hold at least a peripheral portion of the at least one optical element. The panel module further comprises a lighting arrangement (130) comprising at least one light-emitting diode, wherein the lighting arrangement is arranged within the first frame and at an edge portion of the at least one optical element. The panel further comprises a driver unit (140) coupled to the lighting arrangement and configured to supply power thereto. The first frame comprises a first space (150) provided behind the at least one optical element in a direction (D) perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the driver unit is arranged within the first space.