LED Street Light Monolithic Optic Asymmetry
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional street lights with uniform light distribution are inefficient, using excessive energy and directing more light towards houses than streets, while high-pressure sodium technology remains energy-intensive, necessitating a more efficient LED-based solution with a Type-III emission pattern.
Innovation Solution
An LED light fixture with a monolithic optic and board configuration, featuring a plurality of LEDs arranged in groups connected in series and parallel, and a monolithic optic with convex lenses to direct light more towards the street side, achieving a Type-III emission pattern without the need for current regulation, thus optimizing energy use and light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional street lights with uniform light distribution are used, then the light emission pattern is symmetric and simple, but the energy efficiency deteriorates and light is directed excessively towards houses rather than streets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the light emitting diodes in an asymmetric arrangement where LEDs are positioned at different orientations and distances from the optic element. This creates a non-uniform light distribution pattern that directs more light toward the street side and less light toward the house side, thereby improving energy efficiency by reducing light waste while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized LED components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the optical properties and positioning of individual LEDs within the fixture. Each LED is configured with specific orientation and distance parameters to produce different light distribution characteristics, allowing localized optimization of light direction to match the specific lighting requirements of different zones (street side versus house side)
2Illumination intensity
If high-pressure sodium technology is used, then the light output is sufficient, but the energy consumption remains excessively high and burdensome to the tax base
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high-pressure sodium technology to LED technology, fundamentally changing the operating parameters of the light source. The LED-based system achieves comparable or superior illumination intensity while consuming significantly less energy, directly addressing the contradiction between light output and energy consumption by altering the core technological parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical high-pressure sodium system with an electroluminescent LED system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature operation and complex thermal management, achieving the required light output through electrical excitation of semiconductor materials, thereby dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining illumination intensity
3Device complexity
If a single LED is used, then the device complexity is low, but the lumen output is insufficient for effective street lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple LED components into a single unified light emitting module. The LEDs are electrically connected in series and parallel configurations to work together as a coordinated system, combining their individual lumen outputs to achieve the total illumination required for effective street lighting while managing device complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the light emitting function into multiple discrete LED components arranged in specific patterns. Each LED serves as an independent but coordinated unit, allowing the system to achieve high total lumen output through modular assembly while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized segmentation of the lighting function
4Device complexity
If LEDs are arranged in series, then the electrical connection is simple, but the current regulation becomes complex and is required to maintain consistent light output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the LED array into multiple parallel strings of series-connected LEDs. This segmentation allows each string to operate independently with its own current regulation, simplifying the overall electrical control architecture while maintaining the benefits of series connections within each string for reduced current draw and simplified wiring
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 provides a self-regulating, energy-efficient light distribution that directs more light towards the street side, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the effectiveness of LED street lighting by maintaining light intensity even with LED failures, while allowing for adaptable mounting and weather sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a monolithic optic with convex lenses to direct light more towards the street side
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of LED's arranged in groups, each group being defined by a separate subset of the plurality of LED's
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a light fixture useful for area lighting. The light fixture includes a housing having a base and a top, and a light emitting diode (LED) light emission module disposed within the housing. The light emission module includes a centrally disposed aperture that receives a centrally disposed power lead for powering the light emission module.