Emergency Luminaire Light Guide Bar Thermal Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Miniaturized emergency luminaires face challenges in heat dissipation and optical distribution due to the compact design, which affects the lifespan of the LED module and lens, limiting their operational efficiency and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The use of a light guide bar optically coupled with a lens allows for thermal decoupling of the LED module, improving heat dissipation while maintaining optical characteristics, enabling the LED module and lens to be positioned independently for optimized design and extended lifespan, and allowing for a compact, flexible, and efficient light emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the luminaire is miniaturized to be unobtrusive, then the overall size is reduced, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light guide bar as an intermediary optical element between the LED module and the lens. This light guide bar serves multiple functions: it redirects light at a 45-degree angle, and crucially, it acts as a thermal barrier that distances the heat-generating LED module from the lens, enabling heat dissipation in the miniaturized structure without compromising optical performance or component lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the LED module laterally offset from the optical axis, with light being redirected at a 45-degree angle through the light guide bar. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows thermal decoupling of the LED module from the lens while maintaining compact overall dimensions, solving the heat dissipation problem in a miniaturized configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the LED module is positioned directly under the lens for compact design, then the overall size is reduced, but the optical distribution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall sizeVSAvoidoptical distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide bar serves as an optical intermediary that redirects light at a 45-degree angle, enabling the LED module to be positioned laterally offset from the optical axis. This intermediary element transforms the light path to achieve superior optical distribution and lens illumination compared to direct positioning, while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the LED module relative to the optical axis, with light being redirected at a 45-degree angle through the light guide bar. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes optical distribution across the lens surface, preventing hotspots and achieving more uniform illumination compared to symmetric direct-under positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Volume of moving object

If the LED module is positioned close to the lens for compact design, then the overall size is reduced, but the lifespan of the lens and LED module deteriorates due to thermal impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall sizeVSAvoidlifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light guide bar acts as a thermal intermediary that physically distances the heat-generating LED module from the lens while maintaining optical coupling. This intermediary structure creates thermal separation that protects the lens from degradation and the LED module from overheating, extending the lifespan of both components in the miniaturized luminaire

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the thermal management function from the direct LED-to-lens interface by introducing the light guide bar as a separate optical element. This extraction of thermal pathways allows the LED module to be positioned for compact design while the light guide bar absorbs and redirects heat away from the lens, preserving component lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution enhances the lifespan and efficiency of both the LED module and optical element, enabling a compact and flexible emergency luminaire with improved light emission characteristics and heat management, while allowing for the use of cost-effective materials.

Implementation Method 1

a redirecting section for redirecting the coupled-in light to travel through the light guide bar along a travel direction which is parallel to the extension axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The optical element comprises a light guide bar and a lens... for outputting the redirected light from the light guide bar... for emitting the input light from the ready-to-apply emergency luminaire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4269866A1Ready-to-apply emergency luminaire
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4269866A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4269866A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4269866A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a ready-to-apply emergency luminaire (1), comprising an LED module (2), an optical element (5), and a casing (8). The LED module (2) comprises an LED light source (3) for emitting light in a main light emission direction (M). The optical element (5) comprises a light guide bar (6) and a lens (7). The light guide bar (6) extends along an extension axis (X). The extension axis (X) is angled with respect to the main light emission direction (M). The light guide bar (6) comprises a couple section (60) for coupling the light emitted by the LED light source (3) into the light guide bar (6), a redirecting section (62) for redirecting the coupled-in light to travel through the light guide bar (6) along a travel direction (T) parallel to the extension axis (X), and an output section (63) for outputting the redirected light from the light guide bar (6). The lens (7) comprises an input section (70) for inputting the output light into the lens (7), and an emission section (71) for emitting the input light from the ready-to-apply emergency luminaire (1). The casing (8) extends longitudinally along the extension axis (X), and houses the LED module (2) and at least part of the light guide bar (6).