LED Lighting System for Cabinet Signs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescent tube lighting in large cabinet signs is inefficient due to 360-degree light emission, leading to wasted light and reduced efficiency, and both fluorescent and HID lamp systems suffer from decreased performance at lower temperatures, with limited lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system utilizing electrically interconnected LED modules with opposing LEDs on each module, emitting light in specific directions and using beam spreading optics to ensure uniform illumination, along with a rigid spine for structural support and heat dissipation, and a flexible electrical conductor for connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fluorescent tubes are used to illuminate cabinet signs, then the sign panels can be illuminated, but light is emitted in a 360 degree pattern causing wasted light and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the useful light-emitting function from the fluorescent tube while eliminating the harmful 360-degree emission pattern. LED modules are used that emit light primarily in forward and backward directions, taking out the directional illumination capability while leaving behind the energy waste problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating different emission characteristics in different directions. The LED modules are designed to emit light preferentially in forward and backward directions along the longitudinal axis, with reduced emission in lateral directions, thereby optimizing light distribution to match the illumination needs of the sign panels.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If fluorescent lamps are used in cabinet signs, then illumination is provided, but the system has limited lifespan of about 12,000 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters of the lighting system by replacing fluorescent lamps with LED modules. This parameter change includes operating voltage (from high voltage AC to low voltage DC), temperature characteristics (LEDs are less sensitive to temperature variations), and operational lifespan (LEDs typically last 50,000+ hours compared to 12,000 hours for fluorescent lamps).
3Illumination intensity
If HID lamps are used in large signs, then light can be spread across the backside of panels, but the lamps are susceptible to unintended dimming at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by positioning LED modules at specific locations (front and back of the sign structure) with specific emission directions (forward and backward along the longitudinal axis). This creates optimized light distribution across the panel surfaces while the LED technology itself provides inherent temperature resilience, eliminating the dimming issues associated with HID lamps at low temperatures.
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 LED lighting system provides uniform illumination, increased robustness, and extended lifespan compared to traditional systems, with improved light directionality and temperature resilience.
Implementation Method 1
at least two light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the support and electrically connected to the circuitry, and a housing over the support for covering the circuitry. A first LED on a first surface of the at least one support emits light in a first general direction and a second LED mounted on a second surface of the at least one support emits light in a second general direction
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system generally includes a plurality of electrically interconnected modules. Each module includes a support, circuitry on the support, at least two light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) on the support and electrically connected to the circuitry, and a housing over the support for covering the circuitry. A first LED on a first surface of the support emits light in a first general direction and a second LED mounted on a second surface of the support emits light in a second general direction, which is opposite the first general direction.