Faraday Cage LED Housing for Electrical Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Exterior lighting sources, such as LEDs, are vulnerable to damage from external hazards like lightning strikes and electromagnetic fields, limiting their use in harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

A lighting apparatus with a housing and an electrically conductive layer forming a Faraday cage around the light source, providing electrical protection while maintaining optical transparency and reducing power consumption, suitable for use on vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light source is exposed to external hazards like lightning strikes and electromagnetic fields, then the light source can provide bright illumination for exterior lighting applications, but the light source is vulnerable to damage from such external hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness of light sourceVSAvoidresistance to electrical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrically conductive layer as an intermediary between the light source and external electrical hazards. This layer acts as a mediator that redirects electrical currents and electromagnetic fields around the light source, allowing the light source to maintain its illumination function while being protected from direct exposure to damaging electrical events like lightning strikes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin electrically conductive layer or coating that can be applied over the light source. This thin film structure provides electrical shielding while maintaining optical transparency, allowing the light to pass through unchanged while the conductive layer blocks harmful electrical fields from reaching the light source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If an electrically conductive layer is added to protect the light source, then the light source gains electrical protection, but the layer may absorb or block light emitted by the light source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical protection of light sourceVSAvoidbrightness of light output

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the parameters of the electrically conductive layer, specifically its optical transparency and electrical conductivity. By selecting materials and thicknesses that maintain high optical transparency (allowing light to pass through) while providing sufficient electrical conductivity (to shield against electrical hazards), the patent resolves the contradiction between protection and illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite material structures that combine electrical conductivity with optical transparency. Examples include transparent conductive oxides or nanomesh structures that integrate both properties, allowing the layer to simultaneously function as an electrical shield and an optical transmitter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a protective shield is implemented around the light source, then the light source is protected from electrical shocks, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from electrical shocksVSAvoidstructure of lighting apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent chooses a thin film or coating approach rather than a bulky shield structure. This thin electrically conductive layer can be applied directly over the light source and provides effective electrical protection without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical shielding against lightning and electromagnetic fields, maintains optical transparency for illumination, and can be integrated with existing lighting apparatus structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the resistance of light sources to electrical shocks and electromagnetic interference, extending their service life and reducing the risk of fire in explosive atmospheres while maintaining bright illumination.

Implementation Method 1

the electrically conductive layer and the housing can together form a Faraday cage surrounding the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday cage: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10100998B2Electrically shielded lighting apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

In one aspect, apparatus are described herein. In some implementations, an apparatus comprises a housing disposed in or on an exterior surface of a vehicle, a light emitting diode disposed in the housing, and an electrically conductive layer disposed over the light emitting diode and in an optical path of the light emitting diode. Further, the electrically conductive layer and the housing together form a Faraday cage surrounding the light emitting diode. Additionally, in some cases, the electrically conductive layer has an optical transparency of at least 70% in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.