Lighting Device Connector Placement for Thermal and Optical Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED-based lighting devices face issues with heat management and obstruction of additional features, which affect their optical performance and the operation of integrated electrical devices like sensors or cameras.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device design featuring a metal heat sink extending along the outer surface, allowing for both thermal management and mounting of electrical devices, with a connector positioned at a distance from the light source to minimize obstruction and enhance omnidirectional light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrical devices (sensor, camera, detector) are integrated within the shell behind the LEDs, then the lighting device gains additional functionality, but the input/output from these devices to the surrounding environment is obstructed by the shell and LEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the connector and additional electrical devices at the end portion of the lighting device, extending in a direction perpendicular to the light emission direction. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows the connector to access the environment without obstructing the optical path from the LEDs through the light guide to the outer surface, thereby maintaining both additional functionality and operational performance.
2Device complexity
If the connector is positioned close to the first portion, then the structure is more compact, but the electrical device may obstruct light output from the solid state light source
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is arranged at the end portion of the lighting device in a direction perpendicular to the light emission direction, extending from the metal heat sink. This dimensional arrangement separates the connector's spatial occupation from the optical path, allowing the electrical device to be positioned without blocking light output while maintaining structural integration through the heat sink.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal heat sink serves as an intermediary structure that extends from the solid state light source to the end portion of the lighting device. The connector is arranged at this end portion, using the heat sink as a mounting platform. This intermediary arrangement allows the connector to be positioned away from the light source while still being structurally integrated, preventing light obstruction.
3Temperature
If the metal heat sink extends along the outer surface, then heat dissipation is improved, but the connector arrangement may affect the optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The metal heat sink extends along the outer surface of the lighting device in a direction perpendicular to the light emission path. The connector is arranged at the end portion of this heat sink extension, positioned in space where it does not intersect with the optical path from the solid state light source through the light guide to the outer surface. This dimensional separation allows simultaneous optimization of heat dissipation and optical performance.
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 design improves the operational conditions of integrated electrical devices while maintaining the optical performance of the lighting device by efficiently dissipating heat and allowing for additional functionalities without significant impact on light output.
Implementation Method 1
The metal heat sink is arranged in thermal contact with the solid state light source
Implementation Method 2
The metal heat sink extends along the outer surface. The metal heat sink is arranged in thermal contact with the solid state light source
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device (100, 600) comprises a first portion (110, 610), a solid state light source (120, 620), a second portion (130, 630), a metal heat sink (140, 640-641) and a connector (150). The first portion is arranged for electrically connecting the lighting device. The second portion is mounted on the first portion and has an outer surface, wherein at least a portion (131, 631) of the outer surface is light transmissive for outputting light originating from the solid state light source. The metal heat sink extends along the outer surface, and is arranged in thermal contact with the solid state light source. The connector is arranged at the metal heat sink for connecting an electrical device (160, 660). A distance (D1, D3, D4) from the first portion to the connector is longer than a distance (D5) from the first portion to at least one light transmissive portion (131, 631) of the outer surface.