Meandering LED Filament Layout for Spiral-Like Lighting Effects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LED filaments lack aesthetic appeal and are costly to produce, with complex structures that complicate assembly and recycling.

Innovation Solution

A meandering-shaped LED filament with a center axis, comprising two portions: one with a direct lighting mode and another with an indirect lighting mode, arranged on opposite sides of a plane, allowing for various lighting effects and a compact, inexpensive design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a traditional spiral or coil-shaped LED filament is used, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms a three-dimensional spiral or coil-shaped LED filament into a two-dimensional planar configuration. The LED array is arranged in a flat plane with alternating upward and downward pointing LEDs, creating a simplified structure that maintains aesthetic appeal while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the spiral/coil appearance through the alternating up-down LED arrangement in the planar configuration. The pattern of alternating orientations mimics the visual effect of a spiral filament when viewed from certain angles, providing aesthetic similarity without the complex three-dimensional structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Shape

If a traditional spiral or coil-shaped LED filament is used, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By flattening the LED filament from a three-dimensional spiral/coil structure to a two-dimensional planar arrangement, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. This dimensional reduction eliminates complex winding and shaping operations, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining aesthetic appeal through the alternating LED orientation pattern.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the LED array into segments with alternating orientations (upward-pointing and downward-pointing LEDs). This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual LED modules that can be assembled into the final planar configuration, reducing overall production complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If a traditional spiral or coil-shaped LED filament is used, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidassembly facilitation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies assembly by transitioning from a three-dimensional spiral/coil structure to a two-dimensional planar configuration. This flat arrangement allows for easier handling, positioning, and integration into lighting fixtures, while the alternating LED orientations maintain the desired aesthetic appearance.

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

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the LED array into standardized modules with alternating up-down orientations, the patent facilitates modular assembly. This segmentation enables simpler assembly procedures compared to the continuous winding required for traditional spiral filaments, reducing assembly complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances aesthetic appeal, reduces production costs, and simplifies recycling by providing a compact, sinusoidal pattern with fewer components, while offering a range of lighting effects mimicking spiral or coil shapes.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion which elongates along the center axis, A, comprising an array of the plurality of LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

an encapsulant at least partially enclosing the array of the plurality of LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4272266B1LED filament
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4272266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4272266B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4272266B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A light emitting diode, LED, filament (100, 310), comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (110, 150, 155, 250, 255), LEDs, wherein the LED filament comprises a center axis, A, and elongates in a meandering shape in a first plane, P, wherein a first portion (120, 220) of the LED filament, which elongates along the center axis, A, comprises an array of the plurality of LEDs and an encapsulant (210) at least partially enclosing the array of the plurality of LEDs, and a second portion (140, 240) of the LED filament, which elongates along the center axis, A, comprises a distribution of LEDs (150, 155) of the plurality of LEDs, and wherein the first portion and the second portion of the LED filament are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the first plane, P.