Modular LED Circuit with Semiconductor Switches for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low profile luminaires face challenges with heat dissipation and mounting, especially in high ambient temperatures, and traditional LED configurations are inflexible and costly to modify or scale.
Innovation Solution
A magnetics-free LED light engine with a modular integrated lighting circuit that includes semiconductor switches for power management, allowing for flexible configuration and high temperature operation, and a low profile design with efficient heat dissipation features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a low profile luminaire design is used, then the luminaire can be mounted closer to the wall or ceiling, but heat dissipation becomes difficult due to limited surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into separate functional modules including LED circuit boards with integrated drivers, allowing for optimized thermal management of each component. The LED circuit boards are positioned to maximize heat dissipation while maintaining a low overall profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation is achieved by utilizing multiple dimensions including convection channels and radiation surfaces distributed throughout the luminaire body, not relying solely on external surface area. Thermal pathways are created through the luminaire structure in various directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional LED configurations with separate drivers are used, then each LED group can be independently powered, but the system becomes complex and difficult to modify or scale
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuitry is integrated directly onto the LED circuit boards, combining the LED array and its power supply into a single modular unit. This eliminates the need for separate external drivers and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED circuit boards are designed with universal connectivity and standardized interfaces, allowing them to be configured in various arrangements (series, parallel, combinations) to meet different lighting requirements. The modular design enables easy scaling and reconfiguration without redesigning the entire system.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate LED boards with individual drivers are used, then each can be independently controlled, but manufacturing costs and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the driver circuitry onto the same circuit board as the LED array, the patent reduces the total component count and assembly steps. This single-board modular design simplifies manufacturing processes while maintaining the capability for independent control of different LED circuits through the circuit board design.
4Strength
If traditional mounting brackets are used, then the luminaire can be securely mounted to wall or ceiling, but the overall profile and shape of the luminaire increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is integrated into the luminaire housing structure itself, combining the structural body and mounting features into a unified design. This eliminates the need for separate external brackets while maintaining secure mounting capability and preserving the low profile.
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
Enables luminaires to operate effectively in high ambient temperatures with improved heat dissipation and flexibility, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing dynamic configuration without significant redesign.
Implementation Method 1
the driver circuit is configured to convert the supplied power to the converted power, and wherein the converted power is configured for driving the plurality of LEDs; the supplied power comprises an AC power and wherein the converted power comprises a DC power
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting circuit configured to generate light, wherein the power input is configured to supply power to the driving circuit, the driving circuit is configured to convert the supplied power to a converted power and to provide the converted power to the light emitting circuit
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of semiconductor switches is configured to at least one of electrically connect and electrically disconnect the converted power from the driver circuit to the corresponding one or more of the plurality of LED light strings based at least in part on a voltage of at least one of the supplied power and the converted power
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode (LED) circuit board includes a power input configured to supply power, a driving circuit configured to convert power, and a light emitting circuit configured to generate light. The power input is configured to supply power to the driving circuit. The driving circuit is configured to provide proper power to the light emitting circuit. The light emitting circuit is configured to generate light with the power provided by the driving circuit. An LED circuit board including a driving circuit, a light emitting circuit, and a plurality of semiconductor switches electrically connected between the driving circuit and the light emitting circuit is also provided. Each of the plurality of semiconductor switches is configured to electrically connect and electrically disconnect power from the driving circuit to the light emitting circuit.