LED Lighting Device With Flexible Membrane for Thermal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

LED lighting devices for cultivated surfaces have reduced thermal energy transfer due to their low infrared emission, which can hinder plant growth, and existing solutions fail to effectively address this issue while maintaining energy efficiency and longevity.

Innovation Solution

An LED lighting device with a heat sink and a flexible, thermally conductive membrane sandwich structure between the LED board and a metal support, allowing efficient heat transfer from the LEDs to the support and then to the environment, combined with optical elements for directed light distribution, and a seal system for humid environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED lights are used for cultivated surfaces, then energy consumption is reduced and average life is extended, but thermal energy transfer to the cultivated surface is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidthermal energy transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A reflective element is introduced as an intermediary component positioned between the LED light source and the cultivated surface. This reflective element redirects thermal radiation from the LED towards the cultivated surface, mediating the heat transfer process while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of LED technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of reduced thermal energy transfer (which hinders plant growth) into a beneficial effect by using the reflective element to redirect thermal radiation. The previously insufficient heat transfer becomes adequate for plant cultivation needs while preserving LED energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Use of energy by moving object

If LED lights with low infrared emission are used, then energy savings are achieved, but plant growth stimulation is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy savingsVSAvoidplant growth
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflective element acts as a mediator that captures thermal radiation from the LED and redirects it toward the cultivated surface, ensuring that plants receive adequate thermal energy for growth processes while the LED continues to operate with low energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal radiation distribution parameters by introducing the reflective element, which modifies the direction and intensity of heat transfer to the cultivated surface, thereby optimizing conditions for plant growth without altering the LED's energy consumption characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances thermal energy transfer to the cultivated surface, maintaining energy efficiency and longevity, while preventing mechanical stress from thermal expansion and allowing use in humid conditions, thus promoting plant growth.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible, thermally conductive membrane sandwich structure between the LED board and a metal support, allowing efficient heat transfer from the LEDs to the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat sink 4... on the side opposite to the one facing the lighting group 6, provides for a plurality of spaced slats 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

heat sink 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3887718B1An LED lighting device for a cultivated surface
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 LUX LEDLIGHTING SRL
  • EP3887718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3887718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3887718B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An LED lighting device (1) for the irradiation of a cultivated surface comprises a support (26) made of a thermally conductive material, optical bodies (72), a thin and flexible membrane (52) and an LED board (14), superimposed on and in contact with the membrane (52), configured so that each LED faces the membrane and is aligned with the optical body (72) thereof. The configuration of the device improves the thermal transfer towards the cultivated surface.