LED Dental Light Source with Thermal Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Halogen lamps in dental devices have a limited service life due to heat development and vibrations, resulting in frequent failures and low light output, necessitating frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A light source with a semiconductor element, such as a light-emitting diode, housed in a durable and thermally conductive enclosure, featuring a series resistor and optical element for improved light management, and designed for easy integration with existing dental device sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If halogen lamps are used as light sources in dental devices, then relatively bright light is produced, but the service life is limited due to heat generation and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from halogen lamp technology to LED technology, fundamentally changing the light generation parameter from thermal radiation to electroluminescence. This parameter change eliminates the heat-related degradation and vibration sensitivity of halogen lamps while maintaining bright light output, thereby resolving the contradiction between brightness and service life
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal system of halogen lamps (which rely on heated filament and glass envelope) with a solid-state semiconductor system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical weaknesses of glass rods and filaments that are susceptible to vibration and thermal stress, achieving both brightness and reliability
2Illumination intensity
If halogen lamps are used in dental devices, then light is produced, but the luminous efficacy is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light generation from thermal incandescence (halogen) to electroluminescence (LED). This parameter change dramatically improves luminous efficacy by directly converting electrical energy to light energy without the intermediate thermal conversion step, reducing energy loss while maintaining high light output
3Illumination intensity
If halogen lamps are subjected to heat generation and vibrations, then light is produced, but the lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the fragile mechanical structure of halogen lamps (glass envelope, filament, gas fill) with a robust solid-state semiconductor structure. This substitution eliminates the components that are damaged by heat and vibration, allowing the light source to maintain both light production capability and extended lifespan under harsh dental device operating conditions
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 semiconductor light source offers enhanced durability, higher efficiency, and longer service life compared to halogen lamps, with improved light quality and ease of replacement, while maintaining compatibility with existing dental devices.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor element arranged in a housing, the semiconductor element having a light-emitting surface
Implementation Method 2
an optical element for influencing the light emitted by the semiconductor element, which is arranged in front of the light-emitting surface
Implementation Method 3
The light source also includes a series resistor electrically connected to the leads
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a light source (1) for use in a device, for example in a dental device, comprising a semiconductor element (3) disposed in a housing (2), wherein the semiconductor element (3) comprises a light-emitting surface (6). The light source (1) further comprises a socket (5) that extents from a side of the semiconductor element (3) opposite the light-emitting surface (6), the socket being provided for being placed in a frame located in the device, wherein the socket (5) comprises contact elements (8) and lines (7) for power supply to the semiconductor element (3). The light source (1) is particularly robust and long-lasting.