Near Field Mixing LED Component with Diffuser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED packages face challenges in achieving high light flux levels above 1000 lumens in a compact form factor due to limited input power and increased 'dead space' between discrete LED packages, which hinders efficient light mixing and beam shaping.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of near-field light mixing using a diffuser material or structure in close proximity to discrete LED sources, allowing for a low-profile LED component that appears as a single color source when viewed directly, while maintaining efficient light mixing and beam shaping capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple discrete LED packages are mounted to achieve high light flux levels, then the total luminous output increases, but the 'dead space' between packages increases which hinders efficient light mixing and beam shaping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight flux levelVSAvoiddead space between packages
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete LED packages into a single integrated LED component structure. The LED array is mounted on a common submount with integrated electrical connections, and the entire assembly is covered by a single lens with a diffuser layer. This integration eliminates the dead space between separate packages while maintaining high light flux output through the combined emission of multiple LED chips arranged in series/parallel circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If discrete LED packages are used individually, then each package has a compact form factor, but achieving high light flux levels requires multiple packages which creates excessive dead space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage form factorVSAvoidlight flux level
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from mounting LEDs in a planar array to a three-dimensional configuration where LED chips are stacked vertically on the submount. This vertical stacking approach increases the light flux output within a compact footprint by utilizing the vertical dimension, thereby achieving high luminous output without proportionally increasing the horizontal dead space between packages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Illumination intensity

If far field mixing is used to combine light from discrete sources, then the individual sources can be perceived when viewed directly, but mechanically obscuring them results in lower efficiency due to light loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight mixing qualityVSAvoidlight loss from mechanical shielding
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diffuser layer as an intermediary element within the lens structure, positioned in close proximity to the LED chips. This near-field diffuser mixes the light from discrete LED sources before it travels far, creating a uniform perceived light source without requiring mechanical obscuration. The diffuser achieves effective light mixing while minimizing energy loss by allowing light to pass through rather than being blocked by shields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables the creation of compact LED lamps that deliver high light flux levels with improved light mixing and beam control, reducing 'dead space' and enhancing the visual appeal and efficiency of LED lighting solutions.

Implementation Method 1

whose emissions are mixed in the near field by providing a scattering/diffuser material or structure ('diffuser') in close proximity to the light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2301071B1Light source with near field mixing
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 WOLFSPEED INC
  • EP2301071B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2301071B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2301071B1 patent drawingFigure 7a~7d

AI summary

A light emitting diode (LED) component comprising a submount with an array of LED chips and a lens over the array of LED chips. A diffuser is arranged so that at least some light from the LEDs passes through the diffuser to mix the LED light in the near field. The light passing through the diffuser appears as a mixture of LED chip light when directly viewed. A lighting device is also disclosed comprising an LED component comprising an array of LED chips and a near field diffuser to mix at least some of the light from the LED chips in the near field. A remote reflector is included to reflect at least some the light from the LED component so that is emits from the lighting device in the desired direction.