Inductively Coupled Sulfur Lamp for Low Power Planar Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrodeless sulfur lamps are not suitable for low power or planar luminance applications due to high power requirements, large size, and the need for electromagnetic shielding, limiting their use to large public spaces.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device with an excited sulfur medium using inductively-coupled electrons, comprising a substrate, an energy transmission coil, a transparent discharge cavity filled with a sulfur-containing medium and buffer gas, and a high-frequency oscillating power supply, which induces an electromagnetic field to excite sulfur vapors, producing a broadband visible light spectrum with high luminous efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electrodeless sulfur lamps use microwave energy to excite sulfur vapors, then luminous efficiency is improved, but device size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminous efficiencyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the excitation frequency parameter from microwave (2.45 GHz) to radio frequency (13.56 MHz), which enables efficient sulfur vapor excitation at lower power levels and smaller device sizes while maintaining high luminous efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetron-based microwave generation system with a simpler RF induction system using a coil and capacitor, eliminating complex electromagnetic shielding requirements and reducing overall device size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If electrodeless sulfur lamps use high power to achieve high luminous efficiency, then light output is improved, but application scope is limited to large public spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight outputVSAvoidapplication scope

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic control of light output by adjusting the RF power level and modulation depth, allowing the lamp to adapt to various lighting conditions and applications from low-power indoor lighting to high-power public space illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal lighting system that can function across multiple applications by adjusting operating parameters, eliminating the need for different lamp types for different applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electrodeless sulfur lamps use complex electromagnetic shielding, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoidfabrication cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electromagnetic shielding structures with a naturally contained RF induction system where the discharge cavity itself provides sufficient containment, dramatically simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a system where the discharge cavity and RF coil configuration provide inherent electromagnetic containment without requiring additional external shielding structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device achieves high luminous efficiency greater than 60 lumens per watt with a color rendition resembling sunlight, suitable for low power and planar applications, eliminating the need for electrodes and hazardous materials, and reducing fabrication costs by eliminating the need for diffusion plates and wavelength conversion materials.

Implementation Method 1

the energy transmission coil induces an electromagnetic field within the transparent discharge cavity of the light-emitting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

excite sulfur vapors, thereby producing a broadband visible light spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas discharge plasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

the sulfur powers absorb the microwave energy to heat and vaporize itself

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8102107B2Light-emitting devices having excited sulfur medium by inductively-coupled electrons

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 IND TECH RES INST

AI summary

A light-emitting device having an excited sulfur medium by inductively-coupled electrons is provided. This device includes a substrate, an energy transmission coil disposed over the substrate, a transparent discharge cavity disposed over the energy transmission coil, having a substantially planar top and bottom surface, and a high-frequency oscillating power supply coupled to the energy transmission coil. While power up, the energy transmission coil induces an electromagnetic field within the transparent discharge cavity of the light-emitting device. In one embodiment, the transparent discharge cavity includes a sulfur-containing medium disposed within the transparent discharge cavity, and a buffer gas or a plurality of buffer gasses filling inner space of the transparent discharge cavity.