LED Thermal Management via Selective Current Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state lighting systems face challenges in maintaining stable junction temperatures, which can lead to reduced LED lifetime and color shifts in light output, particularly in applications where thermal management solutions are inadequate or unascertainable for third-party products.
Innovation Solution
A solid state lighting apparatus comprising multiple LEDs with a thermal sensor and control circuit that selectively interrupts electrical current to specific LEDs when a high temperature limit is exceeded, changing the visible light appearance and resuming current when the temperature drops below a restore function temperature, thereby managing thermal conditions and maintaining stable light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If passive thermal management systems with exposed heat sinks are used, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and integration flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically monitors temperature via the thermal sensor and selectively interrupts current to specific LEDs when temperature thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to self-regulate thermal conditions without requiring complex external thermal management infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the LED array by selectively de-activating specific LEDs based on real-time temperature readings, thereby adjusting the thermal load and light output to maintain safe operating temperatures
2Temperature
If active thermal management systems with fans are used, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an integrated control circuit that automatically responds to temperature conditions by selectively interrupting current to specific LEDs, eliminating the need for external active cooling components like fans that would reduce reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the thermal management function from external active cooling systems and implements it within the LED control circuitry itself, removing vulnerable external components while maintaining effective temperature control
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermal management solutions are integrated into third-party fixtures, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and thermal control effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to work with multiple LED configurations and fixture types, providing universal thermal management that adapts to different third-party fixtures without requiring precise thermal sensor positioning or custom integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adapts to different thermal conditions in various fixtures by using the thermal sensor to monitor actual operating temperatures and dynamically adjusting current distribution, eliminating the need for precision-engineered thermal pathways
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 solution effectively manages thermal conditions to extend LED lifetime and maintain stable color output by adjusting the light appearance in response to temperature changes, ensuring reliable performance even under conditions exceeding design standards.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal sensor that is configured to provide a temperature signal corresponding to an operating condition of the solid state lighting apparatus
Implementation Method 2
receiving electrical current into the apparatus to drive multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
Provided is a solid state lighting apparatus that includes multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) including at least a first LED and a second LED. The apparatus includes a thermal sensor that is configured to provide a temperature signal corresponding to an operating condition of the solid state lighting apparatus and a control circuit that is configured to receive the temperature signal and to selectively interrupt electrical current to a portion of the plurality of light emitting diodes responsive to the temperature signal including a value that exceeds a high temperature limit.