LED Light Coupling with Heat Dissipation Shell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light-emitting diode (LED) systems fail to ensure precise, durable, and efficient coupling of light into fiber optic bundles, particularly in environments subject to mechanical stress, vibrations, and harsh conditions, due to lack of effective positioning and heat dissipation solutions.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting system with a housing and heat dissipation shell that securely mounts an optical coupling element, featuring a positioning system and translation locking mechanism to maintain precise alignment of the optical coupling element with the diode, while allowing efficient heat dissipation and simple assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a coupling optical element is positioned between the diode and optical fiber bundle to minimize coupling light losses, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but the device becomes complex and difficult to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight coupling lossVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the coupling optical element, positioning system, and heat dissipation structure into an integrated assembly. The coupling optical element is mounted directly on the heat dissipation support, which is itself attached to the diode, eliminating the need for separate positioning sockets and mounting brackets described in prior art. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining precise alignment and efficient heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat dissipation support serves multiple functions: it dissipates heat from the diode, positions the coupling optical element at the correct location for optimal light coupling, and provides mechanical support for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for heat management and optical positioning, simplifying the device structure.

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

2Reliability

If a positioning socket and cover assembly are used to mount the coupling optical element, then the element is secured, but assembly becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed positioningVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components: the diode mounted on the heat dissipation support, the coupling optical element positioned against the support, and the optical fiber bundle connected to the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and secured, simplifying the assembly process compared to the multi-step socket and cover assembly described in prior art.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling optical element is pre-positioned on the heat dissipation support at the optimal location for light coupling before final assembly. The support itself is pre-configured with the correct geometry and positioning features, eliminating the need for complex positioning sockets and adjustment mechanisms during final assembly, thus speeding up the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the coupling optical element is mounted using a bracket at a distance from the element, then mounting is simplified, but light coupling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidlight coupling loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the coupling optical element and places it directly against the heat dissipation support, removing the intermediate distance created by brackets in prior art. This direct placement ensures optimal light coupling while the support's geometry provides inherent positioning, achieving both high coupling efficiency and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If existing mounting solutions are used, then assembly is straightforward, but the device cannot withstand mechanical vibrations or harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation support is designed with inherent mechanical strength and rigidity to withstand vibrations and harsh environmental conditions. The coupling optical element is securely positioned against this robust support structure, which acts as a pre-engineered cushioning and stabilization mechanism, protecting the optical alignment under mechanical stress without complicating the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 system achieves stable and efficient light coupling, maintaining alignment under mechanical stress and ensuring effective heat dissipation, making it suitable for use in aggressive environments and applications requiring high luminous power.

Implementation Method 1

a light-emitting device using an emitting diode fixed on a support and whose light is intended to be recovered by an optical fiber beam, the device comprising a housing provided with a positioning system for a coupling optical element... the diode support being placed in contact with a heat dissipation shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat dissipation shell assembled to the housing by a fastening device ensuring the mounting of the coupling optical element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a coupling optical element having an output surface opening into a beam receiving well... the bearing surface with the support positioning the input surface of the coupling optical element opposite the diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

coupling the light emitted by the diode to the input surface of an optical fiber bundle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 5

the beam is provided with a sleeve having a transverse face bearing on the coupling optical element, outside the output surface, the sleeve comprising a translational locking system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3921680B1Light emission system using a high-powered LED
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 EFI LIGHTING
  • EP3921680B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3921680B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3921680B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a light emission system comprising: a light emission device (1) using an emitting diode (2) which is attached to a holder (4) and the light of which is designed to be recovered by a fibre optic beam (3), the device comprising a housing (8) provided with a positioning system (11) for an optical coupling element (9) which has an emitting surface (9s) which opens into a well (8d) for receiving the beam (3), the diode holder (4) being in contact with a heat dissipation shell (6) which is joined to the housing (8) by means of an attachment device for mounting the optical coupling element (9); and a beam (3) positioned in the well (8d) of the housing to capture the light emitted by the emitting surface of the optical coupling element, the beam (3) having a sleeve (22) with a transverse surface (22a) resting on the optical coupling element (9).