LED Module PCB Layout for Indoor UV-B and White Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of insufficient vitamin D production during winter months or indoor confinement, due to limited exposure to natural sunlight, is not effectively addressed by existing light therapies, and dietary supplements are not a suitable solution for general vitamin D deficiency.

Innovation Solution

An LED module comprising a substrate with a printed circuit board (PCB) and both white light-emitting and UV-B radiation-emitting LEDs, where the UV-B LED is positioned within an opening in the PCB, allowing for enhanced vitamin D production without the need for therapeutic interventions or habit changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated narrowband light sources are used for light therapy, then treatment effectiveness for specific diseases is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple LED types (white light LEDs and UV-B LEDs) into a single lighting module, merging general illumination and vitamin D supplementation functions into one device. This reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate dedicated light therapy devices while maintaining the effectiveness of UV-B radiation for vitamin D production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides general room illumination through white light LEDs and promotes vitamin D production through UV-B LEDs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated light therapy devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If LED packages for UV-B radiation are used, then UV-B emission is achieved, but material cost increases due to UV-resistant requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV-B radiation emissionVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the UV-B emitting component from the white light emitting components by placing the UV-B LED die directly on the substrate within a PCB opening, rather than using a complete UV-B LED package. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, cheaper materials for the UV-B component while maintaining UV-B emission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential UV-B emitting functionality from the complete LED package structure, using only the bare LED die mounted directly on the substrate. This eliminates the need for expensive UV-resistant packaging materials while preserving the UV-B radiation emission capability needed for vitamin D production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If people spend more time indoors, then skin cancer risk is reduced, but vitamin D production decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin cancer riskVSAvoidvitamin D production
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary solution - a lighting module with UV-B LEDs that can be used indoors to stimulate vitamin D production without requiring direct sunlight exposure. This mediator provides the necessary UV-B radiation for vitamin D synthesis while allowing people to remain indoors, thus maintaining the benefit of reduced skin cancer risk from avoiding excessive sunlight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting module enables self-service vitamin D production by providing UV-B radiation that stimulates the skin's natural vitamin D synthesis capability. Users can activate the module and receive vitamin D supplementation through controlled indoor exposure, eliminating the need to go outdoors or take dietary supplements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides increased exposure to UV-B radiation, enhancing vitamin D production in the human body while functioning as a white light source, offering a cost-effective solution by using less expensive materials for UV-B LED packages, thus improving vitamin D levels without altering daily habits.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first type LED configured to emit radiation suitable for generating white light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

at least one second type LED die configured to emit UV-B radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV-B radiation emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

The UV-B radiation allows increasing vitamin D production. In other words, the entire LED module is configured to emit white light, e.g. for illuminating an area or room, and additionally UV-B radiation. Thus, the LED module is suitable to expose the skin of humans to radiation having a wavelength range that causes an increased vitamin D production.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVitamin D synthesis through UV-B exposure: Photosynthesis

Data Source

PatentEP4444042B1Light emitting diode module and lighting system
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4444042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4444042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4444042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a light emitting diode module (LED module) comprising a substrate, a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged on the substrate, at least one first type LED configured to emit radiation suitable for generating white light, and at least one second type LED die configured to emit UV-B radiation. The PCB comprises an opening, and the at least one second type LED die is arranged on the substrate within the opening of the PCB. The present disclosure further relates to a lighting system comprising an LED driver, and an aforementioned LED module electrically connected to the LED driver. The LED driver is configured to electrically supply the LED module.