Thermally Conductive Fluid Lighting Device for LED Heat Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LED-based retrofit lamps face overheating issues, leading to reduced lifetime and light output, as cooling with heat conductive fluids or gases accelerates LED degradation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a fluidly sealed space containing a thermally conductive fluid, connected to an exterior space through a thermally conductive interface, allows heat transfer from LEDs to the exterior while minimizing exposure to the conductive fluid, thereby extending LED lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If LEDs are placed in an atmosphere of heat conductive fluid or gas, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but LED lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is divided into two separate spaces: a first space containing the heat conductive fluid for efficient heat transfer, and a second space containing the LEDs that is fluidly sealed from the first space. This segmentation allows the LEDs to operate in a protective atmosphere while still achieving effective cooling through the thermally conductive interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermally conductive interface acts as an intermediary between the LED-containing second space and the heat conductive fluid in the first space. This interface enables heat transfer from LEDs to the fluid without requiring direct contact between LEDs and the fluid, thus maintaining both efficient cooling and extended LED lifetime.
2Temperature
If LEDs are continuously exposed to heat conductive fluid, then cooling efficiency is improved, but light emission functionality deteriorates rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cooling function from the LED housing by creating a separate first space for heat conductive fluid and a second sealed space for LEDs. This allows continuous efficient cooling while protecting LED functionality by preventing direct exposure to the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The second space containing LEDs is fluidly sealed to create a protected environment, effectively an inert atmosphere relative to the heat conductive fluid. This prevents the fluid from contacting LEDs and causing degradation, while the thermally conductive interface maintains effective heat removal.
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 transfers heat away from LEDs, maintaining their functionality and capacity over a longer period compared to continuous exposure to heat conductive fluids or gases.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one second surface structure comprises a thermally conductive interface between the second space and the first space. By means of the thermally conductive interface, heat which for example may be generated by the at least one light-emitting element when in use can be transferred to the thermally conductive fluid included in the first space.
Implementation Method 2
By means of the atmosphere of heat conductive fluid or gas within which the LEDs are arranged, heat generated by the LEDs when in use may be transferred away from the LEDs for example to the dome of the LED light bulb where it can be transferred or dissipated to the surroundings of the LED light bulb.
Implementation Method 3
heat generated by the at least one light-emitting element when in use can be transferred to the thermally conductive fluid included in the first space. By means of the thermally conductive fluid included in the first space, the heat can then be transported further away from the at least one light-emitting element.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device (100) is disclosed, comprising a first closed or delimited space (120) which is fluidly sealed and includes a thermally conductive fluid therein, and at least one delimited second space (150) which is partly enclosed by the first space (120) and is fluidly connected to the exterior of the lighting device (100). The second space (150) comprises a thermally conductive interface (160) to the first space (120). The thermally conductive interface (160) is coupled to at least one light-emitting element (170) arranged within the second space (150) and configured to emit light such that at least a portion of the light is emitted into the first space (120).