Multiple Waveguide Edge Lit Structure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and installation of multiple waveguide edge lit light fixtures are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly due to the need for individual assembly and attachment of each edge lit structure within the fixture.
Innovation Solution
A multiple waveguide edge lit structure that includes a frame with heat sinks and a circuit board sandwiched between them, where multiple waveguides are attached using clamps or end plates, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and simplified assembly by reducing the number of individual units required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual edge lit structures are used, then each structure can be independently assembled and installed, but the assembly and installation process becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple waveguide structures into a single integrated assembly where multiple waveguides are mounted on a common circuit board with shared mounting features. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly operations required, as multiple waveguides can be attached simultaneously to the same circuit board rather than requiring separate assembly for each individual structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for multiple waveguides, structural support for mounting, and heat dissipation pathways. The mounting features on the circuit board are designed to accommodate multiple waveguides simultaneously, making the circuit board a multi-functional component that reduces overall assembly complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual edge lit structures are used, then each structure can be independently manufactured, but the manufacturing cost increases due to repeated assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveguide structures are merged into a single assembly unit mounted on one circuit board. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating repeated assembly operations for each individual structure, while the modular waveguide design maintains manufacturing flexibility for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The overall lighting system is segmented into modular waveguide units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled onto the circuit board. This segmentation maintains flexibility in manufacturing different waveguide types while reducing overall assembly complexity compared to completely individual structures.
3Temperature
If heat sinks are added to dissipate heat from LEDs, then heat dissipation efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink functionality is merged with the circuit board structure itself. The circuit board incorporates heat dissipation features such as heat sinks or thermal pathways directly into its design, eliminating the need for separate heat sink components while maintaining effective heat dissipation from multiple LED sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: electrical connectivity for LEDs, structural support for waveguides, and heat dissipation through integrated heat sinks. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating components that would otherwise be separate.
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
This solution reduces the cost and installation time of the light fixture by allowing fewer units to be assembled and installed, while efficiently dissipating heat and maintaining light transfer efficiency through the waveguides.
Implementation Method 1
a frame structure including a first heat sink and a second heat sink. A portion of the circuit board is sandwiched between the first heat sink and the second heat sink
Implementation Method 2
a circuit board including a first plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a second plurality of LEDs
Implementation Method 3
a first waveguide and a second waveguide. A light receiving edge of the first waveguide is positioned proximal to the first plurality of LEDs, and a light receiving edge of the second waveguide is positioned proximal to the second plurality of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple waveguide edge lit structure includes a frame structure. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure also includes a circuit board including a first plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a second plurality of LEDs. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure further includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide. A light receiving edge of the first waveguide is positioned proximal to the first plurality of LEDs, and a light receiving edge of the second waveguide is positioned proximal to the second plurality of LEDs. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure also includes a pair of attachment structures configured to keep the first waveguide and the second waveguide attached to the frame structure.