Optical Module Radiator Vent for LED Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical modules for motor vehicles, heat emitted by light-emitting diodes can damage nearby components due to inadequate cooling, especially in confined spaces where traditional cooling methods are insufficient.
Innovation Solution
The optical module incorporates vents in the radiator near the light source to facilitate longitudinal airflow between the front and rear, using the Venturi effect to create a directed airflow that prevents hot air stagnation and effectively cools the light source by circulating cold air through the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional radiators with fins are used to cool light-emitting diodes, then heat evacuation is improved, but cooling effectiveness is insufficient when light sources are confined in cramped housings with vulnerable elements less than 1 mm from the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator is segmented into two distinct cooling zones: a first radiator portion with fins for general heat evacuation, and a second radiator portion with a vent for targeted cooling of the light source. This segmentation allows each zone to address specific thermal management needs, with the vent creating a dedicated airflow path that directs cool air precisely to the light-emitting diodes and draws hot air away from vulnerable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system applies local quality by providing differentiated cooling approaches for different regions. The vent in the second radiator portion creates a localized airflow pattern that specifically targets the light source area, while the fins in the first radiator portion handle overall heat dissipation. This localized cooling ensures that vulnerable elements within 1 mm of the light source receive adequate protection without requiring a complete redesign of the entire cooling system.
2Volume of moving object
If the housing is designed to be compact with light sources in confined places, then space utilization is improved, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient leading to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The invention addresses the thermal management challenge in compact housings by introducing a dimensional change in the airflow path. The vent creates a third-dimensional airflow channel that passes through the radiator structure, allowing cool air to reach the light source from above and hot air to be evacuated downward. This vertical airflow dimension enables effective cooling without increasing the horizontal footprint of the housing, thus maintaining compactness while solving the overheating problem.
3Temperature
If vents are added to the radiator to improve cooling of the light source, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cooling functions for both the light source and the overall heat evacuation into a single integrated radiator structure. The vent is incorporated directly into the second radiator portion, which is already part of the main radiator assembly. This merging approach allows the system to provide targeted cooling to the light source while simultaneously maintaining general heat dissipation capabilities, all within one unified component rather than requiring separate cooling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiator structure achieves multi-functionality by combining two cooling mechanisms in one device: the fins provide general heat evacuation from the housing, while the vent provides targeted cooling of the light source. This universal design allows a single radiator component to address multiple thermal management challenges, reducing the need for additional specialized cooling devices and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 prevents overheating of critical components by ensuring continuous air renewal, maintaining the temperature of the light-emitting diodes below critical levels and preserving the integrity of the primary optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
using the Venturi effect to create a directed airflow that prevents hot air stagnation and effectively cools the light source by circulating cold air through the module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical module (10) for a motor vehicle comprising: - a light source (16); - a radiator (22) comprising a plate (24) having a front face (26) for supporting the light source (16) and having a rear face (28) studded with cooling fins (30); - a device (42) for producing an airflow; characterized in that the radiator (22) has at least one vent (40) which passes through the plate (24) of the radiator near the light source (16) to allow the airflow to circulate longitudinally between the front and the rear of the radiator.