Nested Lampshade Thermal Expansion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Illumination apparatuses with polycarbonate lampshades face deformation due to thermal expansion, affecting mechanical stability and optical performance under high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A secondary lampshade with a lower thermal expansion coefficient and higher mechanical strength is used to encase the primary lampshade, preventing deformation and maintaining shape, while allowing the primary lampshade to be thinner and lighter, reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a PC lampshade is used to achieve light scattering and mechanical strength, then optical performance and structural support are improved, but thermal deformation occurs under high temperature operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight scattering effectVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where an inner PC lampshade (providing light scattering) is placed inside an outer aluminum alloy lampshade (providing thermal stability). The inner lampshade is accommodated within the outer lampshade, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function while working together to resolve the thermal deformation issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite lampshade system combining two different materials: PC (polycarbonate) for optical properties and aluminum alloy for thermal stability. This composite structure allows the system to simultaneously achieve light scattering effects and resistance to thermal expansion under high temperature operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a PC lampshade is used to provide mechanical strength, then structural reinforcement is improved, but thermal expansion causes deformation over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where an inner PC lampshade (providing light scattering) is placed inside an outer aluminum alloy lampshade (providing thermal stability). The inner lampshade is accommodated within the outer lampshade, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function while working together to resolve the thermal deformation issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter (thermal expansion coefficient) by selecting aluminum alloy for the outer lampshade, which has a lower thermal expansion coefficient compared to PC. This parameter change ensures that the outer lampshade maintains its dimensional stability under thermal stress, thereby restraining the inner PC lampshade from deforming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single PC lampshade is used for both optical and mechanical functions, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal deformation adversely affects normal function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelampshade structureVSAvoidfunctional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lampshade into two separate functional components: an inner PC lampshade dedicated to light scattering and an outer aluminum alloy lampshade dedicated to thermal stability and mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the issue of thermal deformation affecting normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer aluminum alloy lampshade serves multiple functions: it provides thermal stability, mechanical strength, and acts as a frame for accommodating the light engine and other components. This multi-functionality compensates for the increased structural complexity by integrating several roles into a single component.

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 secondary lampshade enhances mechanical stability and prevents thermal deformation of the primary lampshade, ensuring consistent optical performance and reduced manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the lamp tube made of PC material might undergo deformation due to thermal expansion effect under a high temperature effect during the operation of the illumination apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10197239B2Illumination apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.02.05 LEDVANCE GMBH
  • US10197239B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an illumination apparatus (100) comprising a light engine (3) and a first lampshade (1) for accommodating the light engine (3), wherein the first lampshade (1) has a first expansion coefficient, wherein the illumination apparatus (100) further comprises a second lampshade (2) for accommodating the first lampshade (1), wherein the second lampshade (2) has a second expansion coefficient smaller than the first expansion coefficient, and is configured such that the changes in size or shape of the first lampshade (1) can be restrained under a high temperature.