Light Module Thermal Resistance Measurement and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light modules for energy infrastructure are prone to overheating due to insufficient thermal contact when positioned or repositioned, leading to reduced light output and potential damage, with existing solutions providing delayed feedback on thermal attachment sufficiency.
Innovation Solution
A light module with a control system that measures thermal resistance and reduces power to the light source when resistance exceeds a predetermined value, accompanied by a warning system to provide immediate feedback on thermal contact sufficiency, using a heat spreader and measurement system to manage heat transfer and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light module is easily attachable to energy infrastructure by hand without tools, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal contact reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a measurement system that measures thermal resistance of the thermal attachment and provides feedback to the control system. When thermal resistance exceeds a predetermined value, the control system reduces power supplied to the light source, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that ensures reliable thermal contact while maintaining ease of manual attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The light module performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring its own thermal resistance and taking corrective action by reducing power when thermal contact is insufficient. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external monitoring or complex attachment mechanisms, maintaining both ease of operation and thermal contact reliability.
2Reliability
If thermal resistance is measured after attachment to detect overheating, then safety is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system measures thermal resistance immediately upon attachment, before the light source is activated at full power. This preliminary measurement allows the control system to identify thermal contact issues in advance and reduce power before overheating occurs, providing both safety and timely response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where thermal resistance is measured continuously or periodically, and the control system adjusts power supply in real-time based on the measurement results. This enables immediate response to thermal contact issues without waiting for temperature-based overheating detection.
3Temperature
If power is reduced when thermal resistance is high, then heat generation is reduced, but light output deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback from the measurement system about thermal resistance and adjusts power supply accordingly. When thermal contact is insufficient, power is reduced to prevent overheating, which inevitably reduces light output. This feedback-based control accepts the trade-off as necessary for protecting the light module from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts that temporary reduction in light output is an acceptable cost to prevent permanent damage to the light module. By prioritizing the protection of the light source over maintaining maximum light output, the system ensures long-term reliability and avoids the need for more complex active cooling 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
The solution effectively protects the light module from overheating by reducing power and providing immediate visual feedback on thermal contact, ensuring safe operation and maintaining light output by establishing a reliable thermal attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement system to measure a thermal resistance of the thermal attachment between the light module and the energy infrastructure
Implementation Method 2
it is desirable to transfer the generated heat to the energy infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a light module for electrical and thermal attachment to an energy infrastructure having at least one power supply, each power supply comprising two electrodes, said light module comprising a light source to emit light, wherein the light source is a heat source when emitting light, two electrical contacts to contact the electrodes of the at least one power supply and thereby establishing the electrical attachment between the light module and the energy infrastructure, a control system arranged between the light source and the electrical contacts to control a power supplied to the light source, wherein the light module comprises a measurement system to measure a thermal resistance of the thermal attachment between the light module and the energy infrastructure when establishing the electrical attachment, and wherein the control system is configured to reduce the power supplied to the light source when the thermal resistance is above a predetermined value to protect the light module from overheating. The invention also relates to a method for protecting a light module from overheating.