Elongated LED Fixture With Angled Arrays for Broad Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting fixtures suffer from uneven light distribution, high material and component costs, difficult assembly, and cumbersome housing configurations, limiting their custom applications and commercial viability.
Innovation Solution
An elongated lighting fixture with two groups of LEDs angled relative to each other, mounted on angled support members within an elongated housing, featuring bypass circuitry and a radio frequency control unit for remote operation, which enhances light distribution, durability, and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LEDs are arranged in a single linear array, then the fixture structure is simple, but the light distribution is uneven with hot spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional linear LED array to a two-dimensional angular configuration by mounting LED arrays on support members positioned at different angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the housing. This dimensional change enables light to be emitted in multiple directions simultaneously, creating more uniform light distribution and eliminating hot spots that occur with single-plane linear arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric angular positioning of support members (e.g., one at 45 degrees, another at -45 degrees) rather than symmetric parallel arrangements. This asymmetric configuration optimizes light distribution patterns for specific application scenarios while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between uniform illumination and device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple LED modules are connected in series, then the circuit design is simple, but a single LED failure causes entire string to not illuminate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED string into multiple independent parallel circuits, where each LED or small group of LEDs has its own bypass path. This segmentation ensures that failure of one LED does not affect the operation of other LEDs, as current can flow through alternative paths. The bypass circuitry is integrated into the PCB design, maintaining simplicity while significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates bypass circuits and protective components (such as diodes and resistors) during the manufacturing process to preemptively protect against LED failures. This prior cushioning approach ensures that when an LED fails, the bypass mechanism is already in place to maintain operation, preventing complete string failure and improving overall system reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If housing configuration is standardized, then manufacturing is easy, but installation flexibility for custom applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the housing with universal mounting features including adjustable support members with varying angles, multiple mounting hole patterns, and standardized connection interfaces. These universal features enable the same housing design to accommodate different LED configurations and installation scenarios (ceiling, wall, or custom mounting) without requiring custom tooling, thus achieving both manufacturing efficiency and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements in the housing design, such as support members that can be positioned at different angles and mounting brackets that can be adjusted during installation. This dynamic capability allows the standardized housing to adapt to various installation requirements and custom applications while maintaining a consistent manufacturing process.
4Reliability
If LEDs are mounted directly to housing, then assembly is simple, but thermal management and electrical isolation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support members as intermediary components between the housing and LED arrays. These support members serve multiple functions: they provide thermal management by conducting heat away from LEDs, ensure electrical isolation between high-voltage and low-voltage circuits, and enable angular positioning for optimized light distribution. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by improving thermal and electrical performance while maintaining assembly simplicity through integrated PCB mounting.
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 angled LED configuration provides a broader light emitting angle, increased durability, and improved thermal and electrical efficiency, making the fixture suitable for various temperature environments and applications, including coolers, freezers, and retail displays, while reducing material costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) angled to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an elongated lighting fixture with multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) arrayed in two groups that are angled to each other. The fixture provides an extremely broad light emitting angle and includes an elongated housing having a pair of side walls with at least one fin to dissipate heat. Each side wall has a support member extending upward at angle from the side wall, wherein the side walls terminate at a central wall. A generally transparent cover is connected to the housing and extends between opposed ends of the housing. A first elongated fastener and a second elongated fastener are utilized to mount a first group of LEDs and a second group of LEDs to the first support member and the second support member, respectively. First and second interconnection board assemblies are affixed to respective support members beneath the group of LEDs by the first and second fasteners. When the first and second interconnection board assemblies are energized by an internal power source, current travels from each interconnection assembly through the fasteners to each group of LEDs for illumination.