Modular Light Source With Segmented Emitter Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light sources face challenges in achieving uniform light output when multiple emitters are combined, due to discontinuities and limitations in the availability of emitters in specific lengths, such as gas-discharge lamps, which cannot be seamlessly connected end-to-end.

Innovation Solution

A modular light source design where multiple light modules with emitter arrays can be aligned and attached using a plate with mounts and brackets, allowing for minimal offset and seamless integration of emitter arrays to form a composite emitter array, ensuring uniform light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple emitters are combined into a larger composite emitter, then the illuminated substrate size can be increased, but discontinuities appear in the arrangement leading to non-uniform light output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveilluminated substrate sizeVSAvoidlight output uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is divided into multiple independent emitter modules that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. Each module contains emitters mounted on individual mounts, allowing for precise control and alignment of each segment to ensure uniform light output across the entire composite emitter surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Mounts serve as intermediary structures between the emitters and the substrate. These mounts provide precise positioning and alignment features that eliminate discontinuities and ensure uniform light output when multiple emitter modules are combined into a composite emitter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If gas-discharge lamps are used, then specific lighting applications can be achieved, but they are only available in particular lengths and cannot be combined end-to-end without discontinuities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter type flexibilityVSAvoidemitter length variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses discrete emitter modules that can be independently selected and assembled. This allows flexibility in choosing different emitter types and lengths for different applications, while the modular mount structure enables seamless combination of multiple emitters to achieve custom total lengths without discontinuities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mount structure is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate various emitter types and lengths. The standardized mounting mechanism allows different emitter configurations to be seamlessly integrated, providing adaptability for specific lighting applications while enabling flexible length customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8678612B2Modular light source

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 SILICON VALLEY BANK

AI summary

A light source including a plate and an emitter array mounted on the plate extending from a first edge to a second edge. The plate can include a first edge; a second edge, the first edge being opposite the second edge; a first mount on the first edge; and a second mount on the second edge. Such light sources can be combined together.