LED Light Tube With Internal Power Conversion and Segmented Heat Sink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescent light tubes in commercial settings consume significant power and lack efficient replacement options with LED technology that maintain uniform light output and thermal management.
Innovation Solution
An LED light tube designed to replace fluorescent light tubes, featuring an elongated tubular structure with internal power conversion to LED bank power, a semi-spherical transparent cover, and a hemispherical metal cover as a heat sink, which electrically isolates the substrate from the metal cover, allowing for efficient power distribution and heat dissipation along the length of the tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fluorescent light tubes are used in commercial settings, then illumination is provided, but power consumption is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from fluorescent technology to LED technology, operating LEDs directly from rectified AC power without requiring ballast circuits. This parameter change enables significantly lower power consumption while maintaining or improving illumination output, directly resolving the energy efficiency contradiction
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED light tube replaces fluorescent light tube, then power consumption is reduced, but uniform light output along the length of the tube is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED light tube into multiple independent segments, each with its own series string of LEDs. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently controlled and optimized for uniform light distribution along the entire tube length, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and uniform illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different electrical connections and configurations for different segments of the tube, with each segment tailored to achieve optimal local light output. This local quality approach ensures uniform illumination across the entire tube while maintaining overall energy efficiency
3Illumination intensity
If LEDs are mounted on a substrate, then light emission is achieved, but heat generation requires effective dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the LED substrate assembly and implements a separate, dedicated heat sink structure. This extracted heat sink is thermally coupled to the LED substrate, efficiently removing heat while keeping the light-emitting LEDs separate from the thermal management system, thus resolving the contradiction between light emission and heat control
4Use of energy by moving object
If internal power supply is added to convert main line power to LED bank power, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power conversion system where the LED tube itself contains the rectification and power conversion circuitry needed to convert mains AC power directly to suitable DC voltage for the LEDs. This integrated self-service approach eliminates the need for external ballasts or complex external power supplies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high power conversion efficiency
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 reduces power consumption, maintains uniform light output, and effectively dissipates heat, making it a viable and efficient replacement for fluorescent light tubes in commercial settings.
Implementation Method 1
an internal power supply converts the main line power to LED bank power
Implementation Method 2
Heat is dissipated from the LEDs by the hollow space between the substrate and the metal cover as well as via the metal cover itself
Implementation Method 3
Heat is dissipated from the LEDs by the hollow space between the substrate and the metal cover as well as via the metal cover itself
Implementation Method 4
The elongated tubular structure of the LED light includes a plurality of LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board substrate
Implementation Method 5
The electrical system within the tubular structure supplies the LED bank power to the plurality of LEDs on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
LED light tube replaces a fluorescent light mounted in a fluorescent light fixture. Main power is feed only to the first socket end mount of the fluorescent fixture. The LED light tube includes an elongated tubular structure substantially the size and length of the fluorescent light tube and extends between the first and second end mounts of the fixture. Within an end region of the tubular structure and adjacent the first tube end mount, an internal power supply converts the main line power to LED bank power. The tubular structure of the LED light includes an elongated semi-spherical substantially transparent top cover mounted atop a printed circuit board substrate. The substrate supports a plurality of LEDs thereon.