Modular LED Lighting System for Sign Boxes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting units for light boxes and sign cabinets face issues with short lifespans and low electrical efficiency, particularly with incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, and lack flexibility in adjusting LED density for varying illumination needs.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system comprising interconnected LED units on a printed circuit board within a light box housing, with a mounting mechanism and center-stripped conductors for easy assembly and flexible light distribution, allowing for efficient and reliable illumination with adjustable LED density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, neon) are used in light boxes, then sufficient illumination can be achieved, but the lifespan is short and electrical efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelifespanVSAvoidelectrical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source by transitioning from gas-discharge (fluorescent, neon) and thermal radiation (incandescent) mechanisms to solid-state LED technology. This parameter change achieves both extended lifespan (50,000-70,000 hours vs. 750-20,000 hours for conventional sources) and improved electrical efficiency, as LEDs convert electric energy to light with minimal heat loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional lighting mechanisms with LED technology, substituting the mechanical and chemical processes of incandescent filaments, fluorescent gas discharge, and neon bulb operation with solid-state electroluminescence. This substitution eliminates the short lifespan and low efficiency issues inherent in conventional light sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If LED density is increased to improve illumination, then lighting performance improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting system into modular LED units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in various densities. Each LED module is a discrete component that can be configured in different arrangements, allowing flexible illumination design without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal LED modules that can serve multiple functions and be applied in various configurations. These standardized modules can be used at different densities depending on illumination requirements, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining flexibility in lighting performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient, reliable, and cost-effective illumination with extended LED lifespan, reduced energy consumption, and flexibility in adjusting LED density for different lighting applications, enhancing both aesthetic and functional aspects.

Implementation Method 1

LEDs are solid state devices that convert electric energy to light and generally comprise one or more active regions of semiconductor material interposed between oppositely doped semiconductor layers. When a bias is applied across the doped layers, holes and electrons are injected into the active region where they recombine to generate light.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3080796B1Sign box lighting system
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 THE SLOAN COMPANY INC
  • EP3080796B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3080796B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2d
  • EP3080796B1 patent drawingFigure 2e~3a

AI summary

A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration on at least one carrier, such that the lighting units form an array of lighting units. The array of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more arrays of lighting units.