Light Engine With Segmented LED And Heat Sink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting solutions, such as LEDs, face challenges in achieving customizable light distribution patterns and efficient heat dissipation, particularly in applications requiring broad light spread and precise control over brightness and color.
Innovation Solution
A light engine comprising independently addressable LED segments on a flexible printed circuit board, integrated with a light guide plate and reflectors, allows for customizable light distribution through a combination of LED placement, reflector design, and heat dissipating elements, enabling flexible control over illumination patterns and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional LED lighting systems are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but light distribution control and heat dissipation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The LED lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable LED segments arranged in a circular pattern. Each segment can be individually addressed and controlled to emit light in specific directions, enabling customizable light distribution patterns while maintaining the energy efficiency of traditional LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamically controllable LED segments that can adjust their emission characteristics in real-time. A controller receives input signals to dynamically change the illumination patterns, brightness, and color temperature of different LED segments, providing adaptability for various lighting applications while preserving energy efficiency.
2Illumination intensity
If LED segments are arranged to provide broad light spread, then illumination coverage is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension for heat dissipation by positioning a heat dissipation structure beneath the LED segments. This allows heat to be conducted downward in a third dimension while the LED segments maintain their horizontal arrangement for broad light spread, effectively separating the optical and thermal management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat dissipation structure serves as an intermediary between the LED segments and the environment. This structure conducts heat away from the LED segments through thermal conduction and dissipates it to the surrounding air through convection, enabling broad light spread while maintaining effective heat management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reflectors are added to redirect light, then light distribution control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector and heat dissipation structure are merged into a single integrated component. This combined structure performs dual functions: reflecting light to control distribution patterns and dissipating heat from the LED segments, thereby improving light control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light reflector for distribution control, a heat dissipation pathway for thermal management, and potentially a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, limiting the increase in device 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 provides efficient and customizable lighting with enhanced heat dissipation, allowing for precise control over light distribution and brightness, addressing the limitations of traditional LED lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate (LGP) into which light from the LED segments is introduced, in which the light from the LED segments is guided, and from which the light from the LED segments exits to provide illumination
Implementation Method 2
a reflector opposing a first surface of the LOP over substantially the entirety of the LGP and the LED segments and configured to reflect light from the LGP back into the LGP
Implementation Method 3
a heat dissipating element covers the first surface of the LGP, the reflector disposed between the heat dissipating element and the LGP
Data Source
AI summary
A light engine is disclosed in which the light engine contains a core having an opening extending completely therethrough and independently addressable LED segments. The opening defines an inner surface of the core. Each segment has LEDs and is attached to a flexible PCB. The PCB has a flexible body attached to one of an inner or outer surface of the core and to which the segments are mounted, and flexible legs extending from the body, along the core, and traverse and adjacent to the other of the inner or outer surface. A light guide plate (LGP) receives and guides light from the segments so that the light exits to provide illumination. The segments emit light in all directions of a plane created by the LGP. A reflector opposes and covers a top surface of the LGP and the segments and reflects light from the LGP back into the LGP.