LED Lamp Unit with Opposing Light Sources for Automotive Reflector Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive headlamp and signaling lamp technologies using halogen and incandescent bulbs face inefficiencies in energy use and lifespan, and existing LED solutions require different lamp constructions due to their directional light emission patterns, which do not align with the optics designed for filament bulbs.

Innovation Solution

An LED lamp unit with two LED light sources arranged on opposing sides of a common support member, integrated with a heat sink and optional fans for cooling, allowing efficient heat dissipation and emission pattern alignment with halogen or incandescent bulbs, enabling the LED lamp to fit within existing automotive lamp constructions without modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED light sources are used in automotive lamps, then energy efficiency and lifetime are improved, but the directional emission pattern does not align with optics designed for filament bulbs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with existing optics
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides a single LED light source into multiple emission zones by creating several light exit surfaces on the encapsulant. This segmentation allows one LED to produce light in multiple directions simultaneously, making it compatible with optical systems designed for omnidirectional filament bulbs while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of LED technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulant structure serves multiple functions: it protects the LED, provides structural support, and creates multiple light exit surfaces to achieve omnidirectional emission. This multi-functionality allows the LED to replace filament bulbs in existing automotive lamp designs without requiring changes to the optical system.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple high brightness LED's are arranged to resemble filament bulb emission pattern, then compatibility with existing optics is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing opticsVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple light exit surfaces into a single encapsulant structure that houses one LED chip. This merging approach achieves the omnidirectional emission effect of multiple LEDs without the complexity of arranging and connecting multiple separate LED components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining compatibility with existing optics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If LED light sources are used in signaling lamps, then lifetime is improved, but brightness level may be insufficient compared to halogen bulbs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelifetimeVSAvoidbrightness level
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from single-directional LED emission to multi-directional emission by creating multiple light exit surfaces on the encapsulant. This dimensional change in light emission allows the LED to distribute light more effectively in all directions, increasing the overall illumination intensity and brightness level to match or exceed halogen bulb performance while maintaining the lifetime advantages of LED technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 lamp unit achieves efficient cooling and emission patterns similar to halogen or incandescent bulbs, reducing dazzling effects and allowing for compact, high-power operation, enabling direct replacement without altering the lamp's construction, while maintaining compatibility with existing optical systems.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink (3, 4) in thermal contact with the support member(s) (1, 15) of the LED light sources (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an electrically operated fan (5, 6) for forced air cooling of the heat sink (3, 4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the LED lamp unit is completely arranged inside a volume at least partly surrounded by a reflector of the automotive lamp such that light emitted from the LED light sources is directed by said reflector towards a light emission direction of said lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2856010B1LED lamp unit, in particular for automotive lamps
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 LUMILEDS HLDG BV
  • EP2856010B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2856010B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2856010B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a LED lamp unit (10) comprising at least two LED light sources (2) arranged between a heat sink (3) and an electrical connector base at two opposing sides of the lamp unit (10) to emit in opposed half spaces. The proposed LED lamp unit can be constructed in a very compact form in order to replace known halogen, xenon and incandescent bulbs without changing the construction of the reflector and mechanical parts in a head lamp or signaling lamp.