Groove-Flange Support for Light-Guide LED Alignment Under Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting arrangements using LEDs have limited tolerance to thermal and mechanical influences, leading to variations in light output and reduced service life due to issues like thermal expansion and mechanical flexing, which affect glare and observer comfort.
Innovation Solution
A lighting arrangement with a plate-shaped light guide element and a support structure that includes a groove and flange system, allowing the LEDs to be positioned at the edge and maintained in place despite thermal and mechanical influences, using a zero-tolerance and spring-loaded concept to ensure stable light output and efficient coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional light sources are replaced by LED-based lighting solutions, then power consumption is reduced and design is made more compact, but alignment tolerance capabilities are limited leading to light output variations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates a spring element that dynamically adjusts the positioning of the light guide element, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansion and mechanical flexing while maintaining proper LED alignment. The spring-loaded mechanism provides continuous adjustment capability rather than fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion principles by designing the support structure with a spring element that changes its physical parameters (compression/extension) in response to temperature variations, thereby compensating for thermal effects on LED alignment and maintaining consistent light output.
2Stability of the object's composition
If light guide element positioning is made rigid to ensure stable LED alignment, then light output stability is improved, but tolerance to thermal expansion and mechanical flexing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element in the support structure acts as a pre-configured cushioning mechanism that anticipates and compensates for thermal expansion and mechanical flexing forces before they cause misalignment. The spring is pre-loaded to provide continuous counteracting force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effects of thermal expansion and mechanical flexing into beneficial positioning adjustments. The spring element allows controlled movement that actually improves alignment by accommodating dimensional changes rather than resisting them rigidly.
3Manufacturing precision
If more fastening elements are added to secure the light guide element, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from multiple separate fastening elements and consolidates it into a single integrated spring-loaded support structure. This single element performs both positioning and securing functions, eliminating the need for multiple discrete fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical fastener, a positioning element, a shock absorber, and a thermal compensation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while maintaining positioning precision.
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 provides a stable and efficient light output with reduced maintenance needs, increased service life, and cost-effectiveness by maintaining LED positioning despite thermal and mechanical stresses, while also allowing for easy assembly and reduced component count.
Implementation Method 1
The flange is matingly and biasedly arranged in the groove of the support structure for biasing the first portion of the support structure towards the light guide element
Implementation Method 2
due to the influence(s) of e.g. thermal expansion, mechanical flexing, etc., the light output from the light guide system and/or arrangements may vary
Data Source
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AI summary
: A lighting arrangement (100), comprising: LEDs (110), a PCB (120) arranged to support the LEDs, a light guide element (130) configured to guide light emitted from the LEDs, wherein the light guide element is plate-shaped and arranged in a plane, P, and wherein the LEDs are arranged at an edge (140) of the light guide element, a support structure (150) fastened to the PCB and arranged at at least a first edge portion (155) of the light guide element, wherein the support structure comprises a groove (190), wherein the lighting arrangement further comprises a cover plate (200) comprising flanges (210) matingly and biasedly arranged in the groove, whereby the support structure, via first (160) and second portions (170) thereof, clamp the at least a first edge portion of the light guide element for positioning of the LEDs at the edge of the light guide element.