Transparent Heat Conductive Polymer for LED Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED light sources face challenges with heat management, leading to high costs, poor aesthetics, and inability to match the form factor of traditional incandescent bulbs, resulting in inefficient light output and short lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transparent or translucent heat conductive material that surrounds the LEDs, eliminating the need for conventional heat sinks, allowing for efficient heat transfer and matching the form factor of incandescent bulbs while providing aesthetically pleasing designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional metal heat sinks are used to manage LED heat, then heat management effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat management effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional metal to transparent heat conductive polymer, fundamentally altering the heat sink's properties to achieve both effective heat management and cost reduction through simplified manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structures combining transparent heat conductive polymers with LED components, creating an integrated heat management system that eliminates the need for separate metal heat sinks while maintaining thermal performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If large finned heat sink structures are used, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but form factor compatibility with traditional light sockets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidform factor compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and optical properties of the heat management material to transparent and thermally conductive, enabling the heat sink to be integrated into bulb-shaped forms that match traditional socket dimensions while maintaining effective heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent heat conductive polymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the heat sink structure, provides electrical insulation, and maintains the traditional bulb form factor, eliminating the need for separate components

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

3Temperature

If conventional metal heat sink structures are used, then heat management is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat managementVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter of the heat management material from opaque metal to transparent polymer, allowing the heat sink to be visually integrated into the bulb design and eliminating the bulky, unsightly metal structures of conventional LEDs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If LEDs operate at high energy levels to increase lumen output, then light output is improved, but heat generation increases causing reduced lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelumen outputVSAvoidLED lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the surrounding material to high levels, enabling efficient heat removal from the LED junction even at high power operating levels, thus allowing increased lumen output without compromising lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent heat conductive polymer acts as an intermediary thermal management layer between the LED and the surrounding environment, facilitating efficient heat transfer that enables high-power operation while protecting the LED from thermal damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables high lumen output, reduced production costs, and improved heat management, allowing LEDs to operate at higher energy levels, effectively replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with enhanced performance and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a transparent or translucent heat conductive material that surrounds the LEDs, eliminating the need for conventional heat sinks, allowing for efficient heat transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3431869B1LED light source
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 ENNOSTAR CORP
  • EP3431869B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3431869B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3431869B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Example embodiments of the present invention provide a LED light source (200) with an effective and efficient heat management system. For example, embodiments of the present invention include devices, systems, materials, and methods to effectively transfer heat away from LEDs (208) used in an LED light source to produce an LED light source that has high lumen output compared to conventional LED light sources. In particular, example embodiments of the present invention provide an LED light source that includes a transparent or translucent heat conductive material (210) in which the LEDs are embedded.