LED Lighting Device with Variable Cross-Section Heat Sink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting devices face challenges in achieving a balance between effective heat dissipation and minimal light obstruction, particularly in automotive applications where specific light intensity distributions are required.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a specially designed heat dissipating structure featuring planar heat dissipation elements arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with varying cross-sectional extensions to minimize light obstruction while ensuring efficient heat dissipation, combined with an upper heat dissipating structure for enhanced thermal management and mechanical protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heat dissipating structure with large cross-sectional extension is used to improve heat dissipation efficiency, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but light obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipating structure employs varying cross-sectional extensions at different longitudinal positions. The first position (closer to LED) has a smaller cross-sectional extension to minimize light obstruction, while the second position (farther from LED) has a larger cross-sectional extension to maximize heat dissipation surface area. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between heat dissipation efficiency and light obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a uniform cross-sectional heat dissipating structure to a variable cross-sectional structure along the longitudinal axis. By introducing dimensional variation (different cross-sectional extensions at different positions), the design simultaneously optimizes both optical performance (near the LED) and thermal performance (at the base), resolving the contradiction between light emission and heat dissipation.
2Temperature
If the heat dissipating structure is positioned close to the LED element to improve thermal contact, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but light emission obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipating structure has a position-dependent cross-sectional extension. At the first longitudinal position (close to LED), the smaller extension ensures good thermal contact while minimizing light obstruction. At the second longitudinal position (farther from LED), the larger extension provides enhanced heat dissipation without blocking light. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between thermal contact efficiency and light emission.
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform cross-sectional heat dissipating structure is used to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but both heat dissipation and light distribution performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a uniform cross-sectional structure, the patent implements a variable cross-sectional design where different longitudinal positions have different extension dimensions. This local differentiation optimizes both optical performance (reducing light obstruction near the LED) and thermal performance (providing adequate heat dissipation surface area at the base), thereby improving overall reliability despite increased manufacturing complexity.
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 dissipates heat while maintaining optimal light intensity distribution, meeting automotive regulations by minimizing shading and ensuring reliable operation and illumination performance.
Implementation Method 1
The lower heat dissipating structure comprises a plurality of planar heat dissipation elements, or heat fins, made out of a heat conducting material
Implementation Method 2
the planar heat dissipation elements are preferably arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lighting device
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device, or LED lamp is described with a base element for electrical contacting and mechanical mounting and an LED arrangement with at least one LED element. The LED arrangement is spaced from the base element along a longitudinal axis. In order to provide a lighting device and a lighting arrangement with a matched optical and thermal design, i.e. where both effective heat dissipation and an advantageous light intensity distribution are achieved, a lower heat dissipating structure is arranged between the base element and the LED arrangement. The lower heat dissipating structure includes a plurality of planar heat dissipation elements made out of a heat conducting material, shaped to have at a first longitudinal position along the longitudinal axis a first extension in cross-section, and at a second longitudinal position a second extension in cross-section. The first longitudinal position is arranged closer to the LED arrangement than the second longitudinal position, and the first extension is smaller than the second extension in order to minimize obstruction of light emitted from the LED arrangement.