LED Support Integrating Heat Dissipation and Aesthetic Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light source supports for vehicle lighting modules, particularly those using light-emitting diodes, face challenges in cooling and aesthetics, with previous solutions being either inefficient or aesthetically unpleasing, and lacking a simple, cost-effective design for lateral lighting functions.

Innovation Solution

A support system for light-emitting diode light sources in vehicle lighting modules that integrates a first surface for supporting the light source, a second surface for heat dissipation forming an angle with the first surface, and a body connecting them, which also serves as an aesthetic cover, utilizing a rounded part to direct heat evacuation and improve positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If cooling fins are provided on the rear of the reflector not in direct contact with the diode support, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support body and cooling fins into a single integrated structure made of thermally conductive material. The support body directly contacts the LED while the cooling fins extend from it, creating a unified heat dissipation path that combines aesthetic form with functional cooling in one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the light source is made visible without cover, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but aesthetic appeal and glare control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support body is designed with a curved front surface that acts as both the structural support for the LED and an aesthetic cover. This integrated design provides glare control and aesthetic appeal without requiring a separate lens or cover component, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a massive structure with rotation and reflector is used, then lighting function is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex rotatable mechanism and separate reflector components from the design. The support body is designed with an optimized geometry that provides stable positioning and effective light distribution without requiring rotation or separate optical components, significantly simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Temperature

If cooling fins are placed close to the diode, then cooling efficiency is improved, but aesthetic appearance and optical performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling fins are arranged in a specific spatial configuration extending from the support body in a direction that optimizes heat dissipation while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The fins are positioned and oriented to provide effective cooling surface area without interfering with the optical path or front aesthetic appearance of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 cools the light source, enhances aesthetic appeal by hiding the light source, and provides precise positioning for optimal lighting, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design suitable for both cornering and fixed bending light functions.

Implementation Method 1

a second surface (11) for heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The natural convection that takes place with the radiator provides cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2241798B1Support for a light source such as a light-emitting diode
Publication Date: 2012.05.23 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2241798B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2241798B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2241798B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The support (7) has a surface (10) for supporting a light source (8) i.e. LED, and another surface (11) for evacuation of heat, where the two surfaces are made of injected aluminum. A body connects two surfaces, where one of the surfaces is extended in a half plane surface defined by a plane of the other surface. The body has a round part (12) extended between a front edge of the latter surface and an edge of the former surface opposite to the plane of the latter surface. The round part has a surface that covers the light source. An independent claim is also included for a headlight for a motor vehicle comprising a lighting module.