Semiconductor Lighting Device with Serviceable Venting Port
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor lighting devices, such as LEDs, experience rapid loss of luminance due to contaminant gases trapped within the device, leading to premature failure, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating user-serviceable venting ports, internal venting paths, gas permeable pressure valves, sequestering agents, browning agent destroyers, and graphite materials to allow contaminant diffusion out of the device, thereby extending the light output and operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semiconductor lighting devices are sealed to protect internal components, then device reliability is improved, but contaminant gases accumulate inside causing rapid luminance loss and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful contaminant gases from the sealed interior environment by providing venting paths that allow gases to escape from the LED assembly interior to the exterior, eliminating the harmful accumulation while maintaining device reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary venting mechanism (venting ports, pressure relief valves, or permeable barriers) that mediates between the sealed interior and exterior environments, allowing selective gas removal while maintaining protective sealing
2Duration of action of stationary object
If venting ports are added to remove contaminant gases, then operational life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service venting where the device automatically removes its own contaminant gases through pressure-driven flow or diffusion through permeable barriers, eliminating the need for external maintenance or complex active venting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses permeable barriers with controlled porosity that allow contaminant gases to pass through while blocking larger particles and moisture, providing passive gas removal without mechanical moving parts or complex control systems
3Illumination intensity
If pressure relief valves are used to allow gas escape, then luminance loss is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pressure differential as a driving parameter, where the natural pressure buildup from gas generation automatically opens the pressure relief valve when threshold is reached, eliminating the need for precision mechanical adjustments and simplifying manufacturing
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 removes contaminant gases, preventing browning and extending the operational life and light output of semiconductor lighting devices by allowing for contaminant diffusion and maintenance, thus addressing the premature failure issue.
Implementation Method 1
a gas permeable pressure valve to allow transfer of contaminants from the interior of the lighting device
Implementation Method 2
a selectively permeable barrier element disposed in the housing having a first area exposed to one of the interior volumes and a second area exposed to a gas or liquid volume exterior to the housing to allow diffusion of browning contaminants
Implementation Method 3
graphite materials and/or selectively permeable barriers to allow contaminant diffusion out of the lighting devices
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting device embodiments having a housing enclosing one or more interior volumes, a metal core printed circuit board, a multilayer stack of spacers, and a serviceable port in the housing to allow venting of one or more of the interior volumes are disclosed.