Color Temperature Tunable LED Lamp Module with Light Mixing Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental lamps, particularly those using incandescent bulbs, suffer from inefficiencies in light generation, excessive heat production, and limitations in color temperature adjustment, leading to discomfort and operational challenges in dental operatory settings.
Innovation Solution
A color temperature tunable LED-based lamp module with a light guide and reflector system that positions LEDs away from the illumination area, using a light mixing rod to combine light from multiple LEDs and direct it through a series of reflectors, allowing for adjustable color temperature and reduced heat exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If incandescent bulbs are used for lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation and energy inefficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the incandescent bulb (thermal radiation source) with an LED-based lighting system that uses electroluminescence to generate light. This substitution eliminates the need for heating a filament to produce light, thereby dramatically improving energy conversion efficiency while maintaining high illumination intensity. The LED array with phosphor conversion directly converts electrical energy to optical energy without excessive heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple LEDs with different color temperatures (e.g., 4000K, 5000K, 6000K) and adjusts their relative intensities to achieve variable color temperature output. By changing the operational parameters (current distribution) of individual LEDs, the system optimizes energy efficiency across different lighting conditions while maintaining high illumination levels.
2Illumination intensity
If incandescent bulbs are used for lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat exposure to patient worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the incandescent bulb with an LED-based system that generates light through electroluminescence rather than thermal radiation. This fundamental substitution eliminates the broad spectrum infrared radiation that causes heat exposure to the patient, while maintaining high visible light output for illumination. The LED system produces light primarily in the visible spectrum with minimal infrared emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses individual LEDs with different color temperatures positioned at specific locations within the lamp housing. By selectively activating LEDs with appropriate color temperatures and directing their light through optical elements, the system provides localized quality control over the light spectrum reaching the patient, minimizing harmful thermal exposure while maintaining therapeutic illumination.
3Temperature
If fluorescent bulbs are used for lighting, then heat generation is reduced, but device bulk and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluorescent bulb system (which requires ballasts, starters, and complex electrical circuitry) with a direct LED array driven by simple constant current drivers. This substitution eliminates bulky electrical components while maintaining low heat generation. The LED modules can be directly mounted on heat sinks without requiring additional ballast compartments or complex mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the ballast and other auxiliary electrical components from the lighting system by using LEDs that can be directly driven from the available voltage source with simple current limiting circuitry. This extraction of unnecessary components significantly reduces the overall device bulk and simplifies the fixture design while maintaining efficient, cool operation.
4Illumination intensity
If incandescent bulbs are used for lighting, then illumination is provided, but color temperature adjustability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple independent LED modules, each emitting light at a different color temperature (e.g., warm white 4000K, neutral white 5000K, cool white 6000K). Each LED or group of LEDs can be independently controlled through separate drive circuits, enabling precise adjustment of the overall color temperature by varying the intensity ratio of each segment. This segmentation provides continuous color temperature tunability while maintaining high illumination output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the LED array through adjustable current drivers that can independently modulate the intensity of each LED or LED group. This dynamic control allows real-time adjustment of color temperature and illumination intensity, adapting to different clinical requirements such as examining different tissue types or patient preferences, while maintaining optimal light output levels.
5Illumination intensity
If incandescent bulbs are used for lighting, then illumination is provided, but bulb lifetime worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the incandescent bulb with an LED array that operates without a filament or gas discharge mechanism. LEDs are solid-state devices with no moving parts and operate at lower temperatures, eliminating the primary failure modes of incandescent bulbs (filament breakage, bulb blackening). This substitution extends the stationary light source lifetime from thousands of hours to tens of thousands of hours while maintaining stable illumination output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses individual LED components that can be independently replaced if one fails, rather than replacing an entire bulb assembly. The modular LED design allows for economical maintenance where only the failed LED or small module needs replacement, extending the effective system lifetime while keeping replacement costs minimal compared to traditional bulb systems.
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 solution provides a compact, efficient, and adjustable lighting system that maintains high color rendering index while minimizing heat and bulk, allowing for precise control of light intensity and color temperature, reducing the risk of unwanted curing and improving patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
using a light mixing rod to combine light from multiple LEDs
Implementation Method 2
direct it through a series of reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
A light mixing and folding lamp includes an LED assembly with two or more LED chips that direct light into the ingress end of a light mixing rod. The light mixing rod is positioned to pass through an aperture in a concave second reflecting element, and mixed light emerges from the egress end of the light mixing rod, where it is directed toward a first reflecting element positioned near a focal point of the second reflecting element. The first reflecting element reflects mixed light emerging from the egress end of the light mixing rod, folding the mixed light back toward a concave reflecting surface of the second reflecting element. The second reflecting element reflects light from the first reflecting element forward, where the light emerges from the lamp directed toward a subject to be illuminated.