LED Lantern Canopy With Integral Heat Sink And Refractive Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based lanterns face challenges with heat dissipation and light direction control, leading to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs due to poor heat dissipation and reliance on reflection for light direction, which results in wasted light and difficulty in reconfiguring or replacing components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a canopy with an integrally formed heat sink and a mounting substrate for improved heat dissipation, using refractive lenses to direct light instead of reflective surfaces, allowing for scalable and customizable lighting patterns and easy replacement of lighting element assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional reflective surfaces are used to direct light, then light direction control is achieved, but light is wasted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reflective surfaces with refractive lenses to direct light. Instead of using reflection (mechanical/optical system), the invention employs refraction through specially designed lenses to achieve the same light direction control function while eliminating light waste associated with reflective methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter from reflection to refraction. By using lenses with specific refractive indices and geometries, the system achieves light direction control through refraction rather than reflection, improving efficiency by directing more light where needed.
2Reliability
If LEDs are mounted on PCBs for electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but heat accumulates at the base reducing LED lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the PCB mounting structure. By using clips that contact the LED base separately from the electrical PCB connection, the invention creates a dedicated thermal management path that removes heat away from the LED junction, extending lifespan while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces clips as intermediary components between the LED and the mounting structure. These clips serve dual functions: providing mechanical retention and establishing thermal contact paths for heat dissipation, while the PCB handles only the electrical connection function.
3Strength
If internal assembly is hardwired with LEDs for structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but reconfiguration and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LED assembly into modular units that can be independently removed and replaced. The clips provide mechanical retention strong enough for structural integrity during operation, but allow for easy release and reconfiguration when needed, enabling adaptability without compromising strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic mounting system where the clips can transition from a retained state (providing structural integrity during operation) to a removable state (enabling reconfiguration and replacement). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
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
This solution enhances heat dissipation and light direction control, reducing energy waste and maintenance costs by allowing for efficient heat dissipation and customizable lighting patterns, while enabling easy replacement of components without the need for extensive labor.
Implementation Method 1
heat sink structure integrally formed with the outer surface... for dissipation of heat from the lighting elements
Implementation Method 2
outer surface externally exposed to atmosphere for heat dissipation thereto
Implementation Method 3
optical lens... which refracts light therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system utilizing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and methods for configuring lanterns thereof are disclosed. The lantern includes a roof or canopy that includes fans that span directly between the electronics and LEDs for improved heat dissipation, the fans preferably formed integral with the canopy. The LEDs are mounted on easily mounted and removed modular printed circuit boards, in at least two different sizes and numbers of LEDs, and optical lenses of at least two different lighting patterns are provided, so that the lantern may be assembled or retrofit according to a desired application including candlepower and lighting pattern for cast light. The optical lenses are individually provided, utilize refraction to diminish reflection, and, in one form, incorporate an integral reflector to assist in defining a lighting pattern. In some forms, a securement may be provided for individual securement of lenses with the PCB.