Panel Lamp Elastic Buffering for Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The light source of panel lamps is easily damaged due to heat buildup and subsequent expansion of the light guide plate, causing mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating elastic members, such as foam or elastic steel sheets, between the light guide plate and the frame to buffer the expansion and reduce mechanical stress on the light source boards, combined with a diffusion plate and reflective sheeting for improved light distribution and uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the light guide plate is rigidly fixed in the mounting groove, then the structural stability is improved, but the light source board is easily damaged due to thermal expansion stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidlight source board reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting groove is divided into multiple sections: rigid fixing portions at the ends and an elastic buffering portion in the middle. This segmentation allows different parts of the same structure to perform different functions - providing both stability and stress relief

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting groove's cross-sectional shape changes along its length, transitioning from a rigid configuration to an elastic buffering configuration. This parameter change enables the structure to adapt to thermal expansion while maintaining overall stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If elastic buffering portions are added to the mounting groove, then the light source board reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source board reliabilityVSAvoidmounting groove complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting groove performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, positions the light guide plate, and buffers thermal expansion stress. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing function and buffering function are merged into a single integrated mounting groove structure, eliminating the need for separate fixing mechanisms and buffering components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 elastic members effectively absorb the thermal expansion of the light guide plate, preventing damage to the light source boards and ensuring consistent light emission with improved coverage and uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature of the light guide plate rises significantly due to the influence of the light emitting element on the light source board. In the process of temperature rising, the volume of the light guide plate also expands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the light guide plate squeezes the first elastic member. After receiving the force, the first elastic member is deformed so as to buffer the expanded volume of the light guide plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3872387B1Panel lamp
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 LEELEDS LIGHTING XIAMEN
  • EP3872387B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3872387B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3872387B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a panel lamp, comprising a frame body having a mounting groove, a light guide plate mounted in the mounting groove, a first light source board, a first elastic member, a second light source board, and a second elastic member, wherein the light guide plate has a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface connected in sequence; the first light source board and the first elastic member are located on two opposite sides of the light guide plate; the second light source board and the second elastic member are located on two opposite sides of the light guide plate. In the process of temperature rising, the volume of the light guide plate also expands. After the expansion, the light guide plate squeezes the first elastic member and the second elastic member, therefore, when the light guide plate expands, due to the buffering effect of the first elastic member and the second elastic member, the light emitting elements on the first light source board and the second light source board are not easily squeezed, so that the first light source board and the second light source board are not easily damaged. Moreover, the first light source board and the second light source board are located on two adjacent sides of the light guide plate, a better effect of light emission at various places of the light guide plate may be realized.