Modular Lighting Panels With Snap Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backlighting systems for translucent panels and signs face challenges with thickness, efficiency, and uniformity, as they often require large heat sinks, complex ventilation, and custom sizing, making them bulky and difficult to install while maintaining high illumination uniformity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of flexible light sheets with modular designs and snap connectors for mechanical and electrical joining, allowing for thin form factors, improved uniformity, and high efficiency, along with integrated power distribution and mounting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-brightness LEDs are used to reduce panel thickness, then illumination intensity is improved, but illumination uniformity deteriorates due to excessive brightness requiring heavy diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the backlighting system into multiple lower-brightness LED modules distributed across the panel rather than using fewer high-brightness LEDs. This segmentation allows each LED to operate at lower current, reducing the need for heavy diffusion while maintaining overall panel brightness and improving illumination uniformity.
2Device complexity
If LEDs are spaced several inches apart to reduce density, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination uniformity deteriorates requiring larger diffusers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a grid-like arrangement of multiple LED modules spaced at regular intervals, creating a distributed lighting pattern that achieves uniform illumination without requiring excessive diffusion. The segmented approach allows for simpler optical paths compared to fewer, more widely spaced high-brightness LEDs.
3Temperature
If large heat sinks and ventilation systems are added to manage thermal load, then temperature control is improved, but panel thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the LED array into multiple lower-power modules, the thermal load per unit area is reduced, allowing for thinner heat dissipation structures. The distributed arrangement enables more efficient passive or active cooling with reduced thickness compared to concentrating high power in fewer LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the LEDs by using multiple lower-brightness units instead of fewer high-brightness units, which fundamentally alters the thermal profile. This parameter change enables thinner heat sinks and reduced ventilation requirements while maintaining effective heat management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If custom-sized panels are manufactured to fit specific locations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a modular array of standardized LED modules that can be configured in different patterns and densities. This segmentation allows the same base module to be used across different panel sizes and shapes, reducing tooling costs and enabling cost-effective customization through reconfiguration rather than complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal LED modules that can serve multiple functions and be deployed in various configurations. These multi-functional modules can be adapted to different panel dimensions and application requirements without requiring custom tooling, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.
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 solution enables the creation of thin, efficient, and easily installable lighting systems with uniform illumination, addressing the challenges of bulkiness and complexity in existing systems by using flexible light sheets and modular connections.
Implementation Method 1
A number of backlighting systems based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been proposed
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first light-emitting elements disposed on the first substrate and electrically connected to the first and second power conductors
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with various embodiments, lighting systems features multiple inter-connectable light panels each having multiple light-emitting elements thereon. One or more of the light panels features one or more connectors, and associated conductors, for the transmission of power, communication signals, and/or control signals.