Modular LED Grow Light Layout for Uniform Photon Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horticultural lighting systems fail to provide efficient and scalable solutions for uniform lighting solutions, particularly in the context of modular LED lighting systems, which are designed to optimize plant growth and spectral customization, and to provide a modular LED lighting system that can be used to create lighting arrays of different sizes to optimize light distribution for consistency in an area under the array, and to provide spectral customization beyond what is currently available on the market today.
Innovation Solution
A modularized LED lighting system for creating lighting arrays of different shapes that can be used to create lighting arrays of different sizes to optimize light distribution for consistency in an area under the array, and to provide spectral customization beyond what is currently available on the market today.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single high intensity discharge lamp is used to cover a large area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light distribution uniformity deteriorates with a sharp drop off from the center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large lighting fixture into multiple smaller modular LED units that can be arranged in arrays. Each module contains multiple LED elements distributed across the module surface, creating multiple light sources that collectively provide uniform illumination across large areas while maintaining system simplicity through standardized modular components.
2Manufacturing precision
If LED elements are arranged in a regular matrix pattern, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the light distribution uniformity deteriorates with non-uniform photon density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric spacing patterns of LED elements within modules, where LEDs are positioned at non-uniform intervals rather than in regular grid patterns. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the modular architecture, creates overlapping light patterns that compensate for the non-uniform emission characteristics of individual LEDs, achieving uniform photon density across the illuminated area.
3Illumination intensity
If the height of the light source is reduced to increase light intensity, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the heat damage to plants worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lighting system into multiple modular LED units distributed across the grow area, the patent achieves high overall light intensity without concentrating all light output at a single low height. The distributed array of modules can be positioned at optimal heights while collectively delivering sufficient photon density for plant growth without thermal damage.
4Illumination intensity
If a fixed staggered matrix array is used to improve light distribution, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the adaptability worsens due to inability to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, scalable lighting system where modular LED units can be easily added, removed, or reconfigured to create staggered matrix patterns of various sizes. The standardized module design with consistent LED spacing and mounting dimensions enables flexible scaling from small to large grow areas while maintaining the light-distributing advantages of staggered arrangements.
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 system provides uniform light distribution and spectral customization, addressing the limitations of conventional systems by allowing for scalable and modular LED lighting arrays that maintain consistent photon density and reduce heat damage to plants.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lighting elements. The lighting elements are distributed among the row/column intersections such that there is one lighting element disposed at each intersection of rows and columns
Data Source
AI summary
A modular lighting system includes several units of different configurations that can be combined to create lighting arrays in which the lighting elements are arranged in a staggered matrix. The units include a center square unit, linear units, and standard and reverse “L” units. Using these units a grow light array can be scaled to accommodate a given growing area while maintaining the staggered matrix arrangement of lighting elements within the array for optimum photonic distribution over the growing area.