Hybrid Laser LED Light Source Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for vehicles and equipment face challenges in providing adequate illumination without exceeding available space or power capacity, particularly in off-road and recreational applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable auxiliary lighting apparatus with a housing containing a light emitting device, a transparent cover, and a rib with angled fins, along with a mount system allowing adjustable orientation and securement, utilizing a combination of LEDs and lasers for enhanced directional and surrounding illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional light sources are added to achieve desired illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but space requirements and power capacity are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (laser and LED) into a single integrated housing unit, merging their functions to achieve high illumination intensity without requiring separate mounting spaces for each light source. The laser module and LED array are positioned within the same housing structure, sharing common mounting and cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the housing, positioning light sources at different depths and angles to maximize illumination coverage while minimizing the housing's external footprint. The reflector and lens elements are arranged in layered configurations to achieve long-distance projection from a compact form factor.
2Illumination intensity
If additional light sources are added to achieve desired illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but power capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulse-width modulation (PWM) control to operate the laser and LED sources in pulsed cycles rather than continuous operation. This periodic activation pattern maintains high average illumination intensity while significantly reducing overall power consumption and thermal load on the vehicle's electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable output parameters for both laser and LED sources, allowing the control system to optimize power distribution based on illumination requirements. The system can vary beam intensity, pulse duration, and source activation sequences to achieve desired illumination while adapting to available power capacity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If directional illumination is enhanced using laser/LED sources, then illumination efficiency is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heat sink structures and thermal management components as intermediaries between the laser/LED sources and the housing. These thermal interfaces conduct heat away from the light sources through dedicated heat dissipation pathways, including finned heat sinks and thermally conductive mounting structures that transfer heat to the surrounding air.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts heat from the light source assembly through separate thermal management subsystems. Heat sinks, cooling fins, and thermal vias are positioned to extract thermal energy from the laser diode and LED arrays, removing it from the optical path and housing structure to prevent thermal distortion and maintain operational efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mounting system allows adjustable orientation, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting features that allow the housing to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations. Pivotal mounting brackets, adjustable brackets, or repositionable mounting plates enable dynamic reconfiguration of the light assembly's orientation while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting structure that can be installed with standard tools.
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 improved illumination with flexible mounting and efficient power use, allowing for increased visibility in various applications without extensive modifications to the vehicle or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Recent developments in lighting sources including Light Emitting Diodes ("LED") and laser/phosphorus or gallium white light emitters
Implementation Method 2
Recent developments in lighting sources including Light Emitting Diodes ("LED") and laser/phosphorus or gallium white light emitters
Implementation Method 3
A transparent cover is mounted over the front opening
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of fins are mounted on the rib
Implementation Method 5
a plurality of fins are mounted on the rib
Data Source
AI summary
An improved vehicle light apparatus including an auxiliary light having a housing defining a front opening extending in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. A light emitting device is mounted in the housing. A transparent cover is mounted over the front opening. A rib extends rearwardly from the housing opposite the front opening and a plurality of fins are mounted on the rib.