LED Luminaire Offset Reflector and Collimator for HID Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) in luminaires face challenges such as overheating at high ambient temperatures and limited lumen packages, making it difficult to achieve the size, shape, and light output of high intensity discharge (HID) luminaires.
Innovation Solution
The use of LEDs with a reflector offset from the centerline and collimators to direct light along an axis offset from the vertical axis, combined with a planar mounting surface coupled to the housing for efficient heat transfer, allows for structural and performance characteristics similar to HID luminaires, including efficient heat dissipation and aimed light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If light emitting diodes are used as light source in luminaires, then energy efficiency and lifespan are improved, but heat dissipation becomes problematic at high ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat sink as an intermediary component between the LED and the environment. The heat sink acts as a thermal mediator that intercepts heat generated by the LED and transfers it to the surrounding air through its extended surface area, preventing heat accumulation at the LED junction while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-source LED mounting to a distributed array configuration. By arranging multiple LEDs in a two-dimensional array on a circuit board that extends in multiple directions, the heat generation is distributed across a larger spatial volume rather than concentrated at a single point, improving thermal management while maintaining high energy efficiency through the combined output of multiple diodes.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light emitting diodes are used to achieve required lighting levels, then lumen output is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual LED light sources into a unified luminaire assembly. By integrating numerous LEDs onto a single circuit board within one housing unit, the patent achieves high lumen output through the cumulative effect of multiple diodes while managing the complexity through unified structural integration and common control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lighting function into multiple independent LED modules arranged in an array. Each LED operates as an independent light-generating element, allowing the system to achieve high total lumen output by combining the output of many small units rather than relying on a single high-power source, thereby distributing the functional load across multiple simpler components.
3Shape
If light emitting diodes are used to match the size and shape of HID luminaires, then structural compatibility is improved, but achieving equivalent light output becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the LED system by configuring multiple diodes to operate in parallel arrays with optimized current distribution. By adjusting electrical parameters such as forward current and voltage across the LED array, combined with optical parameters including reflector geometry and lens positioning, the system achieves high lumen output within compact dimensions that match traditional HID luminaire form factors.
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 luminaires with light outputs comparable to HID fixtures, suitable for various applications like outdoor lighting, while maintaining the advantages of LEDs, such as high efficiency and long lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The planar mounting surface, in some embodiments, is coupled to the housing of the luminaire, thereby providing an efficient pathway for heat flow or heat transfer from the light emitting diodes to the housing for dissipation in the surrounding environment.
Implementation Method 2
a collimator adapted to direct light from the least one light emitting diode along an axis offset from the vertical axis of the light emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
a reflector offset from the centerline of the luminaire
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to luminaires and, in particular, to luminaires comprising light emitting diodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a luminaire comprising at least one light emitting diode, a reflector offset from the centerline of the luminaire and a collimator adapted to direct light from the least one light emitting diode along an axis offset from the vertical axis of the light emitting diode.