LED Module Mixing Chamber for Incandescent Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid state light sources, such as LEDs, do not closely replicate the light output of incandescent bulbs, particularly in terms of optical spectrum, making it challenging to replace traditional incandescent lighting fixtures without noticeable differences in light output.

Innovation Solution

A LED module with a housing, printed circuit board, and a semispherical reflector that combines multiple groups of solid state light sources with different colors to produce a light output that replicates the spectral characteristics of a warm white incandescent bulb, using a mixing chamber to interact and combine light before it exits through a lens, ensuring uniform optical characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a single-color LED is used to replace an incandescent bulb, then energy efficiency is improved, but the optical spectrum and light appearance do not closely match the incandescent bulb

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidoptical spectrum match

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple LEDs of different colors (red, green, yellow, cyan) in a single module to create a composite light source that replicates the full spectrum of incandescent light while maintaining LED energy efficiency. This merging of multiple light sources achieves both spectral fidelity and energy savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite approach by integrating multiple LED types with different spectral characteristics into a single module. This composite light source combines the advantages of different LED colors to produce a unified output that mimics incandescent spectrum, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and spectral match.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If multiple groups of solid state light sources with different colors are combined, then the spectral characteristics of incandescent bulbs are replicated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral characteristicsVSAvoidmodule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests multiple LED groups within a single modular housing that contains a shared optical system including the semispherical reflector and mixing chamber. This nesting approach allows multiple light sources to function together in a compact, integrated unit rather than requiring separate fixtures for each LED type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The module design makes the entire assembly a multi-functional unit that can replace various incandescent bulb types (including different base configurations) while maintaining a single standardized structure. The universal design simplifies installation and reduces the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 LED module effectively replicates the light output of incandescent fixtures, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for retrofitting applications like railroad signals, ensuring minimal perceptible difference in light appearance while improving reliability and reducing operating costs.

Implementation Method 1

A LED module with a housing, printed circuit board, and a semispherical reflector that combines multiple groups of solid state light sources with different colors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

using a mixing chamber to interact and combine light before it exits through a lens, ensuring uniform optical characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight mixing:

Implementation Method 3

combines multiple groups of solid state light sources with different colors to produce a light output that replicates the spectral characteristics of a warm white incandescent bulb, using a mixing chamber to interact and combine light before it exits through a lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10100984B2Indirect light mixing LED module for point-source applications

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

An system including a housing defining an enclosure and having an aperture in an exterior surface of the housing; a concave reflector, the reflector being disposed on or in the enclosure of the housing to reflect light emissions; a plurality of solid state light sources disposed within the housing to direct light emissions within the enclosure towards the reflector, the plurality of solid state light sources including multiple groups of solid state light sources; and a mixing chamber defined by a space within the enclosure located between the reflector and the aperture, wherein the reflector is configured to reflect light emissions from the plurality of solid state light sources towards the mixing chamber where the reflected light emissions are to combine before exiting the housing through the aperture.