LED Lighting Apparatus with Conductive Sheets for Uniform Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting systems face challenges in achieving even current distribution and efficient heat dissipation, particularly in edge-lit configurations used for signage and general lighting applications, where light distribution and thermal management are critical.
Innovation Solution
The proposed LED lighting apparatus incorporates a light-diffusive plate with disruptions for scattering light and a layered structure of electrically conductive and insulative sheets to ensure even current distribution and efficient heat dissipation, featuring a configuration where LEDs are attached to an LED carrier and connected to conductive sheets with insulative layers for optimal electrical and thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LEDs are placed along edges of a light-transmitting panel for compact configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but current distribution becomes uneven and heat dissipation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces separate conductive and insulative sheets that segment the electrical connection path. The conductive sheets are divided into multiple regions (first conductive region, second conductive region) that independently connect to different LED groups, ensuring uniform current distribution while maintaining the compact edge-lit configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulative sheet acts as an intermediary between the conductive sheets and the light-transmitting panel. It provides electrical isolation while allowing thermal conduction, enabling the conductive sheets to distribute current uniformly to LEDs without creating unwanted electrical pathways through the panel.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple LED mounting structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive sheets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection to LEDs, act as heat sinks for thermal management, and serve as structural support layers. This multi-functionality improves heat dissipation without adding separate components, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining conductive material (for electrical connection and heat dissipation) with insulative material (for electrical isolation). This composite approach enables efficient thermal management while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integrated layering.
3Device complexity
If conductive sheets are directly attached to the light-transmitting panel, then electrical connection is simplified, but light transmission is blocked and optical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative sheet serves as an intermediary layer between the conductive sheets and the light-transmitting panel. It provides necessary electrical isolation while being optically transparent, allowing light to pass through unaffected while enabling the conductive sheets to be attached for simplified electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulative sheet is implemented as a thin film that is optically transparent yet provides sufficient electrical isolation. This thin-film approach minimizes optical interference while maintaining the necessary electrical properties for safe and effective LED operation.
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 ensures uniform light emission and effective heat dissipation, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of LED lighting systems for various applications, including signage and general lighting.
Implementation Method 1
light from the LEDs is spread evenly through the panel by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
Disruptions formed on the surface of the panel scatter incident light so that light is emitted from the surface of the panel
Implementation Method 3
efficient heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed lighting apparatus includes a light-diffusive plate having opposing first and second faces bounded by one or more sides. A first electrically conductive sheet is disposed on the first face of the light-diffusive plate, and an electrically insulative sheet is disposed on the first electrically conductive sheet. A second electrically conductive sheet is disposed on the electrically insulative sheet. A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have light emitting portions that face a portion of the light-diffusive plate. The LEDs are electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive sheet and to the second electrically conductive sheet.