Light Assembly Water Vapor Removal via Thermoelectric Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture permeation into light assemblies leads to condensation, which is aesthetically undesirable and can degrade the operation of light sources and other components.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric device with a cold side to condense moisture and a moisture expulsion device using a porous segment to vaporize and expel condensate through a vent, maintaining low humidity within the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a substantially closed housing is used to protect components, then protection from external elements is improved, but moisture accumulation through permeation leads to condensation and operational degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts moisture from the sealed housing chamber by introducing a desiccant material that actively absorbs and removes water vapor from the internal atmosphere, preventing condensation while maintaining the sealed protective housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the humidity parameter within the chamber by incorporating a desiccant that dynamically adjusts the internal atmosphere's moisture content, maintaining low humidity levels despite the sealed environment that would otherwise trap permeated moisture
2Reliability
If moisture removal systems are added to prevent condensation, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a passive desiccant-based moisture removal system that requires no external power, control systems, or active components. The desiccant material automatically absorbs moisture through its chemical properties, providing self-service moisture control without adding operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical moisture removal systems (such as pumps, heaters, or active ventilation) with a simple chemical absorption system using desiccant material, eliminating the need for moving parts, power consumption, and complex control mechanisms
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
Effectively prevents condensation, ensuring the reliable operation of humidity-sensitive components and sub-systems within the light assembly while minimizing costs and using no moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
The cold side is adapted to form condensation from moisture in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
The segment includes a porous material adapted to entrain the condensate
Implementation Method 3
The first segment is in contact with the hot side, and is adapted to receive thermal heat from the hot side. The second segment is in contact with the first segment, and is exposed to an external environment for dissipation of moisture. The second segment is adapted to receive thermal heat from the first segment and condensate from the cold side
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly includes a substantially closed housing, a light source, a thermoelectric device, and a moisture expulsion device. The housing is defines a chamber, and includes a lens. The light source is adapted to direct light from the chamber and through the lens. The thermoelectric device includes a cold side and a hot side. The cold side is adapted to form condensation from moisture in the chamber. The moisture expulsion device includes a first segment in contact with the hot side and adapted to receive thermal heat from the hot side, and a second segment in contact with the first segment and exposed to an external environment for dissipation of moisture. The second segment is adapted to receive thermal heat from the first segment, and condensate from the cold side.