Gimbaled LED Array Module for Directional Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED array technologies fail to effectively focus and direct light in specific beam patterns, limiting their application in various lighting scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A gimbaled LED array module with a radial heat sink and gimbaled mechanism that allows for quick electrical and mechanical connections, enabling the LED array to be positioned and directed in any desired direction, while also facilitating efficient heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lens is added to cover the entire LED array to control directionality, then light direction control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight direction controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the LED array into multiple independently controllable LED modules, each with its own adjustable gimbal mechanism. This segmentation allows individual LED modules to be directed independently, achieving precise beam pattern control without requiring a complex lens system to cover the entire array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs gimbal mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of each LED module's orientation. This dynamic positioning capability allows the LED modules to be directed at different angles and positions, providing flexible beam pattern control without the need for fixed lens systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a lens is added to cover the entire LED array to control directionality, then light direction control is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight direction controlVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the LED array into multiple independently controllable LED modules, each with its own adjustable gimbal mechanism. This segmentation allows individual LED modules to be directed independently, achieving precise beam pattern control without requiring a complex lens system to cover the entire array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the optical lens system with a mechanical gimbal-based positioning system. Each LED module is mounted on a gimbal that allows mechanical adjustment of its orientation, substituting the need for complex optical direction control with simpler mechanical positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If LED array is positioned to direct light in specific direction, then light directionality is improved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight directionalityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the gimbal mechanism to perform multiple functions: it positions the LED modules for optimal light direction while simultaneously maintaining proper orientation of the heat sink for efficient heat dissipation. The heat sink is configured to always face the desired heat dissipation direction regardless of the LED module's light-emitting orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the light emission direction from the heat dissipation direction by utilizing different spatial dimensions. The gimbal mechanism allows the LED module to be oriented in one direction for light emission while the heat sink is positioned in another dimension (perpendicular or opposite orientation) to optimize thermal management independently of the light direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional mounting is used for LED array, then connection is simple, but positioning precision and direction control are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs gimbal mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of each LED module's orientation. This dynamic positioning capability allows the LED modules to be directed at different angles and positions, providing flexible beam pattern control without the need for fixed lens systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for precise control of light direction and beam patterns, enhancing the functionality of LED arrays in both interior and exterior lighting applications by ensuring efficient heat management regardless of orientation.

Implementation Method 1

a radial heat sink to facilitate efficient heat dissipation regardless of the orientation and/or directional positioning of the LED array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a radial heat sink to facilitate efficient heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

When electrons combine with holes, they fall to lower energy levels and release energy in the form of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 4

A gimbaled mechanism is provided that allows the light from an LED array to be directed in virtually any desired direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGimbal mechanism: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentUS8641241B2Gimbaled LED array module
Publication Date: 2014.02.04 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • US8641241B2 patent drawing
  • US8641241B2 patent drawing
  • US8641241B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Gimbaled LED array module. In an aspect, In an LED mounting assembly is provided for directing light emitted from an LED array. The LED mounting assembly includes a gimbaled assembly configured to receive the LED array and to allow for positioning the LED array to direct the light emitted from the LED array. The LED mounting assembly also includes a body portion configured to receive the gimbaled assembly, and a connector coupled to the body portion, the connector configured to provide at least one of an electrical connection and a mechanical connection for the mounting assembly.