LED Array Spatial Arrangement for Horticultural Illumination Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In horticultural applications, achieving uniform illuminance and color distribution using LED light radiation sources is challenging due to their limited emission spectrum, requiring multiple sets of LEDs with different colors, which complicates the arrangement and positioning of light sources to ensure even light coverage on a rectangular surface.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with a planar array of LEDs, where each set emits a specific color, is positioned to ensure homocentric distribution and variance in coordinates to avoid clustering, using a mathematical model to determine the number and placement of LEDs to achieve uniform illuminance and color across the surface, allowing for customization based on reflectivity and alignment with the installation's side walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple sets of LEDs with different colors are used to achieve uniform color distribution, then color uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning different colored LEDs at specific locations within the array. Each LED emits a specific color (blue, red, or white) and is placed at coordinates determined by mathematical models to ensure uniform color distribution across the illumination surface. This localized assignment of spectral characteristics resolves the contradiction by achieving color uniformity through deliberate spatial arrangement rather than using all LED types throughout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry in the distribution of different colored LEDs across the array. Rather than using a symmetric pattern where all LEDs are treated equally, the invention creates an asymmetric distribution where blue, red, and white LEDs are positioned according to specific mathematical criteria. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes color uniformity while reducing the total number of LEDs required, thereby managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Stability of the object's composition

If LEDs are positioned to achieve uniform illuminance distribution, then illuminance uniformity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveilluminance uniformityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using mathematical models to pre-calculate and determine the optimal positions of LEDs before physical installation. The models consider factors such as LED emission characteristics, desired illuminance distribution, and geometric relationships to establish precise coordinates in advance. This preliminary determination simplifies the manufacturing process by providing clear positioning guidelines rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the coordinates and distribution patterns of LEDs based on mathematical models that account for specific emission characteristics. By varying parameters such as LED type, position, and emission intensity according to calculated optimal values, the system achieves uniform illuminance distribution while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a mathematical model is used to determine LED placement, then illuminance uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveilluminance uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by developing a mathematical model that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The model determines LED positions, calculates optimal distributions, and guides the entire placement process for achieving uniform illuminance and color. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate design and calculation steps into a single comprehensive model, thereby managing device complexity while improving illuminance uniformity.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If different sets of LEDs with specific emission spectra are used, then spectral quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific LED types with particular emission spectra to specific locations in the array. Blue, red, and white LEDs are positioned at coordinates determined by mathematical models to optimize spectral distribution. This localized spectral assignment achieves high spectral quality for plant growth while managing device complexity through purposeful rather than exhaustive use of different LED types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach results in improved energy efficiency, uniformity of color and illuminance, reduced costs through fewer light sources and mechanical components, and the ability to adjust color distribution, ensuring optimal plant growth by providing the necessary light spectrum and intensity.

Implementation Method 1

electrically-powered light radiation sources, for example solid-state light radiation sources such as LED sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11266076B2Lighting device and a method of distributing light radiation sources
Publication Date: 2022.03.08 FLUENCE BIOENGINEERING INC
  • US11266076B2 patent drawing
  • US11266076B2 patent drawing
  • US11266076B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lighting device may have a planar array of electrically-powered light radiation sources partitioned into a plurality of sets of light radiation sources. The light radiation sources of the same set may emit light radiation of the same color, and different sets of radiation sources may emit light radiation of different colors. Each one of the different sets of light radiation sources may include a respective fraction of the total number of light radiation sources in the array. The light radiation sources have respective planar coordinates relative to a common center of the array, and the different sets of light radiation sources have respective centers located at the common center. The array comprises at least two complementary sub-arrays, opposite to the common center. The different sets of radiation sources are present in the sub-arrays in respective partial fractions of the number of radiation sources included in the sub-array.