Light Guide with Perpendicular LED Insertion for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guide designs with LEDs aligned along the main axis face limitations in heat dissipation and result in uneven light distribution due to dark spots and hot spots, particularly when using multiple LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A light guide with a cavity in the side wall allows for perpendicular insertion of LEDs, enabling better heat dissipation through attachment to heat sinks and improved light mixing by using a reflective coating and substrate, which also helps in uniform light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If LEDs are aligned along the main axis of the light guide, then the light guide structure is simple, but heat dissipation is limited and light distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from aligning LEDs along the main axis (one-dimensional arrangement) to positioning them at the end face of the light guide (changing the spatial dimension). This dimensional change allows heat sinks to be attached to the end face, providing effective heat dissipation paths while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary reflective surface at the end face of the light guide, perpendicular to the main axis. This reflective surface redirects light from the LEDs into the light guide, enabling uniform light distribution while allowing the LEDs to be positioned for optimal heat dissipation.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are placed at one end of the light guide, then light output is increased, but dark spots and hot spots appear affecting color and brightness uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element at the end face of the light guide. This reflective surface diffuses and redirects light from multiple LEDs, eliminating direct line-of-sight paths that cause hot spots and dark spots, thereby achieving uniform light distribution while maintaining high light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized variations in the reflective surface properties at the end face, where the reflective coating is applied perpendicular to the main axis. This local modification of reflective properties ensures uniform light mixing and distribution throughout the light guide, addressing the uniformity issue without compromising overall light output.
3Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are placed with central light path aligned with main axis, then light coupling is efficient, but heat sink attachment is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning LEDs at the end face rather than along the main axis. This dimensional change creates a new interface (the end face) where heat sinks can be effectively attached, while the reflective surface ensures that light coupling efficiency is maintained by redirecting light into the light guide.
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
This configuration enhances heat dissipation and reduces dark spots, improving the brightness and color uniformity of the light output while allowing for efficient attachment of heat sinks.
Implementation Method 1
The light is transmitted through a light guide by means of internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the surface of the cavity can be coated with reflective material 14. The reflective coating helps ensure that the light emitted by light source 15 is directed along the main axis 18 of light guide 10
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention is an improved light guide having one or more light sources inserted into the light guide such that the light sources are perpendicular to the main axis of the light guide. The light sources are inserted into a cavity within the outer wall of the light guide. The cavity is positioned at one end of the light guide.