LED Light Engine with Perforated Heat Sink and Intermediary Reflector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Light emitting diodes in luminaires face thermal management issues and create undesirable hot spots due to light emission angles, particularly in uplight applications where light is directed onto ceilings.
Innovation Solution
A light engine comprising a heat sink with perforations and a reflector with a high surface reflectivity, where the reflector is positioned between the heat sink and light emitting diodes to redirect light outwardly, reducing hot spots and enhancing thermal management through convective and conductive cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If light emitting diodes are used in luminaires, then energy efficiency is improved, but thermal management issues worsen due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using the heat generated by LEDs as a beneficial element. The transparent or translucent heat sink allows visible light to pass through while capturing and redirecting infrared radiation (heat) that would otherwise be wasted. This converts the harmful thermal energy into a functional component for thermal management, improving heat dissipation while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a heat sink with transparent or translucent material that contains internal structures (perforations, channels, or voids) to facilitate convective heat transfer. These porous or open-structured pathways allow air flow through the heat sink, enhancing passive cooling while the material itself remains transparent to visible light, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and thermal management.
2Illumination intensity
If light emitting diodes emit light at certain angles, then luminous output is improved, but hot spots are created above the LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element positioned between the LED and the surrounding environment. This reflector captures light that would otherwise create hot spots and redirects it through the transparent heat sink material. The intermediary reflector modifies the light path to distribute illumination more uniformly, preventing concentrated hot spots while preserving overall luminous output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the transparent heat sink as an additional optical dimension. By making the heat sink transparent and incorporating internal reflective surfaces or structures, the system adds a new dimension for light manipulation. Light is not only emitted directly but also redirected through the heat sink material itself, creating more uniform spatial distribution and eliminating hot spots while maintaining luminous output.
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 effectively distributes light uniformly across ceilings, reducing hot spots and improving thermal management, making it suitable for uplight applications with increased luminaire efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing thermal management through convective and conductive cooling
Implementation Method 2
enhancing thermal management through convective and conductive cooling
Implementation Method 3
the reflector includes a reflective surface that extends around at least a portion of the light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
Light engines for inclusion in luminaires. Some embodiments of the light engine include a heat sink, a reflector, and light emitting diodes. Some embodiments of the heat sink include perforations. The reflector includes a reflective surface that extends around at least a portion of the light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, a portion of the reflector is sandwiched between the light emitting diodes and the heat sink. In some embodiments, an end of the reflector terminates above the light emitting diodes to reduce the concentration of light directly above the light emitting diodes but rather distribute the light outwardly from the luminaire.