LED Warning Light With Thermally Conductive Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warning lights in emergency vehicles, primarily using halogen bulbs and gaseous discharge strobe tubes, are inefficient and prone to failure, lacking the durability and color options provided by LED technology.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact LED warning lights with thermally conductive bases, light transmissive plastic covers, and coordinated LED arrays that emit light through the vehicle's reflector shell, utilizing a controller for timed pulses and color selection, and integrated power supplies to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halogen bulbs and gaseous discharge strobe tubes are used in warning lights, then the warning lights can generate light signals, but they are inefficient and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from halogen bulbs and gaseous discharge strobe tubes to LED technology, representing a fundamental parameter change in the light source. LEDs provide superior reliability and energy efficiency compared to the previous technologies, eliminating the technical contradiction by adopting a different operational principle (electroluminescence vs. incandescence or gas discharge).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and thermal systems of halogen bulbs with solid-state LED technology. This substitution eliminates the filament, gas discharge mechanisms, and associated thermal management issues, resulting in a more reliable and energy-efficient warning light system.
2Reliability
If LED lamps are used to replace halogen bulbs, then durability and color options are improved, but heat management becomes a challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive material as an intermediary between the LED lamps and the housing. This intermediary component efficiently transfers heat away from the LEDs, preventing overheating while maintaining the durability advantages of LED technology. The thermally conductive material acts as a heat sink, managing the thermal output of the LEDs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED arrays with constant current sources are used, then color options and signal patterns are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the warning light system into multiple independent LED arrays, each with its own constant current source. This segmentation allows different colors and patterns to be controlled independently, providing versatility while managing complexity through modular design. Each array can be selectively activated to create various warning signals and color combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple LED arrays through a controller that can selectively activate different arrays based on desired warning patterns. The system transitions between different operational states (different colors, patterns, and sequences) by dynamically controlling which LED arrays are active, providing adaptability without requiring all components to be simultaneously complex.
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 LED warning lights provide durable, efficient, and versatile warning signals with improved heat management and color options, minimizing component failure and enhancing the visibility and coordination of warning patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The base is constructed of thermally conductive material and includes at least one planar surface to which LED lamps are mounted
Implementation Method 2
The cover is constructed of light transmissive plastic material and configured to mate with complementary structures on the base
Implementation Method 3
LED warning lights include a compact lighthead configured for mounting in the original equipment reflector shell of a motor vehicle
Implementation Method 4
An alternative embodiment includes a surface texture on the portion of the cover through which light generated by the LED lamps will pass. The surface texture blends and diffuses light from the LED lamps
Data Source
AI summary
A compact warning light employs LED lamps as a light source and has a lighthead configured for insertion into the reflector shells of a motor vehicle such as a sedan or SUV. The lighthead has a base and cover which define a sealed interior space surrounding the LED lamps. The base is constructed of heat conducting material and the LED lamps are secured to the base so that heat generated by the lamps is conducted away and dissipated by the base. The base may include a post for supporting a plurality of individually energized arrays of LED lamps. The cover may be optically clear, tinted or provided with facets or a surface texture.