Light Fixture Thermal Assembly for Heating, Cooling, and Condensation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light fixtures used in outdoor environments face thermal stress from extreme temperatures, which can compromise the operation of mechanical and electronic components and cause condensation, affecting the functionality of optical elements.

Innovation Solution

A light fixture with a temperature control assembly that includes independently controllable heating and ventilating elements, regulated by temperature sensors and a control device, to maintain optimal temperature levels across a wide range of external conditions from -40°C to +45°C.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a ventilation system is used for temperature control, then excess heat removal is improved, but the system cannot handle excessively low temperatures and condensation prevention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidthermal condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both heating and ventilation capabilities into a single temperature control assembly. The control unit can independently activate either the heating element or the ventilation system based on ambient temperature conditions, allowing the system to handle both high temperature (heat removal) and low temperature (heating) scenarios, as well as prevent condensation through controlled heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If independent heating and ventilating elements are added, then temperature control in extreme conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature control assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating element and ventilation system into a single integrated temperature control assembly, both housed within the same structural unit and controlled by a unified control unit. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems, while maintaining the ability to independently activate each component based on temperature sensor feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature control assembly operates autonomously by continuously monitoring ambient temperature through integrated sensors and automatically activating the appropriate component (heating or ventilation) without external intervention. The control unit processes sensor data and independently decides when to activate heating or ventilation, reducing the need for complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures reliable operation of the light fixture by maintaining controlled temperatures, preventing condensation and ensuring the functionality of optical elements in all external thermal conditions, thereby enhancing its reliability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one first temperature control module being provided with a heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The at least one first temperature control module being provided with a ventilating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4455552A1Light fixture
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 CLAY PAKY SPA
  • EP4455552A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4455552A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4455552A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light fixture comprises a head (2) housing a source assembly (24) configured to emit a light beam; a support assembly (3) configured to support the head (2); and a temperature control assembly configured to control the temperature inside the head (2) and/or the support assembly (3). The temperature control assembly comprises at least one temperature control device (34); at least one first temperature sensor (33a; 33b; 33c; 33d; 33e); and at least one first temperature control module (32a; 32b; 32c; 32d) housed in the head (2) and/or in the support assembly (3) and regulated by the temperature control device (34) on the basis of data coming from the at least one first temperature sensor (33a; 33b; 33c; 33d; 33e); the at least one first temperature control module (32a; 32b; 32c; 32d) being provided with a heating element (36) and a ventilating element (37) which are independently controllable by the temperature control device (34).