Flexible PCB LED Segments with Light Guide Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting solutions, such as LEDs, face challenges in providing customizable light distribution patterns suitable for various applications, as they often require specific light fixture designs to achieve desired light spread and efficiency, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A light engine comprising independently addressable LED segments on a flexible printed circuit board with a light guide plate that allows for flexible light distribution by using a core with legs providing electrical contact and a light guide plate with varying cross-sections and surface features to control light emission, enabling adjustable light distribution patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are used with traditional light fixtures, then light emission is achieved, but the light distribution pattern is fixed and cannot be customized for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The LED module is divided into multiple independently addressable LED segments arranged in a circular pattern around the light guide plate. Each segment can be controlled separately to emit light in different directions, enabling customizable light distribution patterns without requiring complex fixture designs. The segmentation allows the same hardware to produce various beam angles and distribution patterns by activating different segments.
2Manufacturing precision
If specific light fixture designs are used to achieve desired light spread, then light distribution is optimized, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves different light distribution patterns by changing the operational parameters of individual LED segments rather than manufacturing different fixture designs. By controlling which segments are active and their emission characteristics, the same light guide plate and LED array can produce various beam angles and distribution patterns, eliminating the need for expensive, application-specific fixture manufacturing.
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs emit light in all directions, then light coverage is maximized, but light distribution control for specific applications is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The LED array is segmented into multiple directionally oriented segments positioned around the light guide plate. Each segment can be independently controlled to emit light in its specific direction, allowing the system to maintain broad light coverage when all segments are active while enabling precise control over light distribution patterns when segments are selectively activated based on application requirements.
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 allows for customizable light distribution patterns, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness by enabling tailored light output for different applications, from intermediate batwing to high beam angle distributions, using a flexible printed circuit board and light guide plate configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate (LGP) into which light from the LED segments is introduced, in which the light from the LED segments is guided
Implementation Method 2
the light from the LED segments is guided, and from which the light from the LED segments exits to provide illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes a core having an opening; a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) supported by the core; a plurality of LED segments multiple LEDs mounted on the flexible PCB; and a light guide plate (LGP) having an opening within which the core is fitted, such that the LEDs emit light in all directions of a plane defined by the LGP, such light exiting the LGP to provide illumination.