Flexible Light Sheets for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state lighting systems with LEDs face challenges in achieving uniform illumination over arbitrarily sized and shaped areas due to thermal management issues and rigid structures, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible light sheets with light-emitting elements that can be assembled into differently shaped illumination elements, allowing for uniform luminous flux density and conformability to various shapes, eliminating the need for additional thermal management and maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional solid-state lighting systems with LEDs are used, then long life and robustness are achieved, but thermal management becomes complicated and the structure becomes rigid with fixed size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal management function from the lighting system by using transparent thermoelectric materials that conduct heat away from LEDs while remaining optically transparent. This separates the thermal management requirement from the structural design, allowing the lighting system to maintain simplicity while achieving effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the LEDs, acts as a thermal conduction path for heat dissipation, and maintains optical transparency for light emission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate thermal management components, simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If sealing requirements are implemented for exterior LED lighting systems, then weatherproofing is achieved, but the structure becomes rigid and size is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible transparent substrates and thin-film thermoelectric materials that can be bent and shaped to conform to various surfaces while maintaining their structural integrity and functional properties. This flexibility allows the sealed lighting system to adapt to different shapes and sizes without compromising weatherproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is designed with flexible components that allow dynamic configuration and adaptation to different mounting surfaces. The flexible substrate enables the system to be shaped and repositioned as needed while maintaining the sealed enclosure for weatherproof operation.
3Illumination intensity
If the depth of the lighting system is increased to address uneven illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but cost increases and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by using transparent thermoelectric materials with optimized thermal conductivity in specific regions around the LEDs. This localized thermal management ensures uniform heat distribution and prevents hot spots, achieving even illumination without increasing overall system depth.
4Illumination intensity
If transmittance of the illuminated surface is reduced to address uneven illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of reducing surface transmittance with a thermal management approach using transparent thermoelectric materials. Instead of blocking or absorbing light to control illumination distribution, the system uses thermal conduction to maintain uniform LED operating temperatures, preserving both illumination uniformity and optical efficiency.
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
This solution enables the creation of compact, reliable, and cost-effective lighting systems that provide uniform illumination over arbitrary areas without the need for extensive thermal management, enhancing both efficiency and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
conventional solid-state lighting systems featuring light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
In large measure the heat from LEDs is generally extracted by conduction
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with certain embodiments, systems of lighting components feature multiple illumination panels each having a backing support and, secured thereto, multiple illumination elements. The illumination elements have shapes defined by arrangements of illumination unit cells may be assembled to illuminate an arbitrary two-dimensional area.