Linear LED Task Light Triangular Grouping for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear LED task lights suffer from uneven lighting patterns and multiple point-source shadowing when used to illuminate close proximity work surfaces, requiring expensive secondary optics to achieve even illumination, which is not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A linear LED task light with a thermally conductive housing, touch-sensitive control panel, proximity sensor, and unique LED placement in triangular groupings with a 160-degree beam angle, allowing for even illumination and reduced shadowing without costly secondary optics, while maintaining energy code compliance and offering a selectable higher illumination mode with automatic power-saving features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If 1 Watt LEDs are spaced an inch or more apart to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but illumination uniformity deteriorates due to visible gaps and increased point-source shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting function into multiple 1/3 Watt LED segments arranged in triangular groupings of three LEDs per inch. This segmentation allows each individual LED to dissipate heat effectively while the close spacing and triangular arrangement ensure continuous light coverage without gaps, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation and illumination uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear LED spacing to three-dimensional triangular groupings, placing LEDs at vertices of equilateral triangles with 0.3-inch sides. This dimensional change allows LEDs to be positioned closer together in multiple spatial arrangements, achieving both adequate heat dissipation pathways and continuous illumination coverage that eliminates point-source shadowing
2Illumination intensity
If LEDs are spaced closer together to improve illumination uniformity, then illumination uniformity is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates causing damage to LED die
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple smaller 1/3 Watt LEDs instead of fewer 1 Watt LEDs, the patent creates more individual heat dissipation points distributed along the linear housing. The triangular grouping arrangement ensures that heat can dissipate from each LED through the PCB and housing while maintaining close spacing for uniform illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific triangular LED groupings where three LEDs are positioned at vertices of equilateral triangles. This localized arrangement optimizes both heat dissipation pathways from each individual LED and the collective illumination pattern, allowing close spacing without compromising thermal management
3Illumination intensity
If expensive secondary optics are added to achieve even illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for expensive secondary optics by using properly spaced and arranged LED point sources. The triangular grouping arrangement of 1/3 Watt LEDs inherently produces uniform illumination through geometric distribution, removing the requirement for additional optical components and simplifying the overall device design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive secondary optics with simple, inexpensive LED components arranged in triangular groupings. The illumination uniformity is achieved through the geometric arrangement of multiple low-cost LEDs rather than through costly optical elements, significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost
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 uniform illumination, reduces multiple point-source shadowing, saves energy by automatically turning off when unoccupied, and maintains energy code compliance with a lower cost per lumen, achieving better price point efficiency and compliance with LEED and California Title 24 standards.
Implementation Method 1
designed to conduct heat away from sensitive electronic components on the printed circuit board
Implementation Method 2
The control circuitry is also programmed to turn the output on when a person is detected in the work area by a proximity sensor
Implementation Method 3
unique LED placement in triangular groupings with a 160-degree beam angle, allowing for even illumination and reduced shadowing
Data Source
AI summary
A unique pattern arrangement, placement density, and wattage sizing of LEDs in a line voltage Linear Task Light produces uniform illumination with negligible point-source shadowing typically seen in other similar LED task lights. A desired energy code compliant 7½ Watts per foot is achieved using a greater number and smaller sized LEDs than in competitor's products, resulting in a better price-point efficiency in terms of dollars per Watt ($/W). The resulting product meets all Leed certification requirements, is California Title 24 compliant, and uses proximity sensing circuitry to further reduce energy consumption by shutting off when the illuminated area is vacant for a period of time. The LED Task Light disclosed is capable of higher illumination when needed, without sacrificing energy code compliancy through the use of timing circuitry to automatically reduce illumination intensity and corresponding energy consumption after a preset time interval.