Semiconductor Lighting Devices Using Sequestering Agents and Graphite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor lighting devices, such as LEDs, experience rapid loss of luminance due to contaminant-induced browning, which occurs before the expected lifespan of the device, leading to premature failure and operational issues, especially in environments like underwater settings where replacement is difficult.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sequestering agents like molecular sieves and browning agent destroyers, along with graphite materials and selectively permeable barriers, to absorb and neutralize contaminants and enhance thermal conductivity within the lighting devices, allowing diffusion of harmful gases and improving heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If semiconductor lighting devices are used in underwater or harsh environments, then they provide reliable lighting output, but they experience rapid loss of luminance due to contaminant-induced browning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sequestering agents and browning agent destroyers into the lighting device before operation to prevent contaminant accumulation. These agents are pre-positioned to adsorb harmful gases and neutralize browning contaminants as they diffuse into the device, preventing luminance loss before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sequestering agents as intermediary substances that mediate between contaminants and the lighting device components. These agents intercept and bind harmful gases (such as sulfur compounds) before they can reach and brown the semiconductor elements, thereby protecting light output while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If the lighting device is sealed to protect internal components, then reliability improves, but contaminants become trapped inside causing browning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the sealed environment, which normally traps harmful contaminants, into a beneficial protective barrier. By combining the seal with sequestering agents inside, the same sealed space that could trap contaminants instead becomes a controlled environment where contaminants are actively captured and neutralized, protecting the lighting components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert internal atmosphere by filling the sealed housing with nitrogen or other inert gases and incorporating sequestering agents. This inert environment prevents oxidative browning reactions even when contaminants are present, allowing the seal to maintain reliability without trapping harmful substances
3Temperature
If graphite materials are added to enhance thermal conductivity, then heat transfer improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs graphite materials that simultaneously serve multiple functions: they provide thermal conduction to manage heat from LED chips, act as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to protect sensitive electronics, and function as a structural component in the housing or heat sink assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the added material complexity
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 extends the operational life and light output of semiconductor lighting devices by mitigating contaminant-induced browning and thermal issues, enhancing their performance and reliability, especially in challenging environments like underwater conditions.
Implementation Method 1
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 from the one of the interior volumes to the gas or liquid volume exterior to the housing
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating sequestering agents like molecular sieves and browning agent destroyers, along with graphite materials and selectively permeable barriers, to absorb and neutralize contaminants
Implementation Method 3
a graphite material configured to seal two surfaces of the light to enhance thermal conductivity from the circuit element to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting devices using selectively permeable barrier elements, graphite sheet materials, and/or browning agent destroyers/sequestering agents are disclosed. In one embodiment a lighting device may include a body or housing with a selectively permeable barrier element, such as a silicone membrane or o-ring to allow diffusion of contaminants from one or more interior volumes to the exterior environment. Contaminants may be mitigated through use of a sequestering agent/browning agent destroyer. Heat conduction between elements of the housing, such as to aid removal of heat generated from a lighting element such as an LED, may be improved through use of graphite materials, such as PGS sheets between housing elements.