LED Lighting Apparatus with Embedded Channel Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based lighting systems for signage and public information struggle with efficient heat dissipation and adaptability for various applications, including outdoor use where weather protection is necessary.
Innovation Solution
The LED lighting apparatus incorporates a light-diffusive plate with channels for embedding LEDs, a metal-coated polyimide substrate channel cover for heat dissipation, and UV-curable encapsulant for sealing, allowing for efficient heat management and weather resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are placed along edges of a light-transmitting panel for signage applications, then energy efficiency and durability are improved, but heat dissipation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A heat sink is introduced as an intermediary component between the LEDs and the surrounding environment. The heat sink receives heat from the LEDs through thermal contact and dissipates it to the ambient air through its extended surface area, effectively mediating the heat transfer process and preventing heat accumulation at the LED location.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation solution transitions from a two-dimensional panel surface to a three-dimensional structure by adding vertically extending heat sink fins. This dimensional extension increases the surface area available for heat dissipation without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint of the signage.
2Illumination intensity
If a light-diffusive plate with disruptions is used to evenly emit light, then illumination uniformity is improved, but weather protection for outdoor applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The signage structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: a light-diffusive plate for uniform light emission, a separate protective cover for weather protection, and mounting hardware for assembly. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is constructed from weather-resistant materials that form a composite structure with the light-diffusive plate. This composite construction maintains the optical properties of the diffusive plate while adding environmental protection capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If channels are formed in the light-diffusive plate to embed LEDs, then adaptability for various applications is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Channels are pre-formed in the light-diffusive plate during the manufacturing process, creating ready-to-receive LED mounting structures. This preliminary action allows for easy LED installation and configuration changes without requiring complex field modifications, balancing manufacturability with application adaptability.
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 configuration enables effective heat dissipation and weather protection, making the LED lighting system suitable for diverse applications, including outdoor signage with uniform light emission.
Implementation Method 1
An ultra-violet (UV) curable encapsulant fills the first channel
Implementation Method 2
light from the LEDs is spread evenly through the panel by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 3
Disruptions formed on the surface of the panel scatter incident light so that light is emitted from the surface of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus includes a light-diffusive plate having opposing faces bounded by one or more sides. The plate has disruptions on a first face of the opposing faces and a first channel along at least a portion of a first side of the one or more sides. A first cover has first and second surfaces disposed over the first channel with the first surface facing the first side of the light-diffusive plate. A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is disposed on the first surface of the first cover and within the first channel. The LEDs electrically coupled with wiring are integrated with the first cover.