Phosphor-Coated LED Signal Light for Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based signal lights, such as traffic and rail signals, suffer from poor energy efficiency due to light output degradation at extreme temperatures, leading to increased material and energy costs, reduced signal light life, and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of LEDs with different dominant wavelengths, where one type of LED emits a light energy that is filtered to produce a specific dominant wavelength, and then mixed with another LED's light energy to achieve a desired dominant wavelength, utilizing materials like AlInGaP and InGaN LEDs, and incorporating a filter and mixing lens to enhance light efficiency and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LEDs are used in signal lights, then the device is simple and cost-effective, but light output degrades significantly at extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different LED types (first LEDs and second LEDs) with different wavelength characteristics to create a composite light source system. The first LEDs emit a first dominant wavelength while the second LEDs emit a second dominant wavelength that is converted to a third dominant wavelength through phosphor coating and filtering, then mixed to achieve the desired fourth dominant wavelength. This composite approach allows the system to maintain stable light output across extreme temperatures by leveraging the complementary thermal characteristics of different LED materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the LED system by using multiple LEDs with different dominant wavelengths and converting/filtering their outputs. Instead of relying on a single LED type, the system dynamically combines light from different sources (first LEDs emitting first dominant wavelength, second LEDs emitting second dominant wavelength converted to third dominant wavelength) to achieve a stable fourth dominant wavelength output that resists temperature-induced degradation.
2Reliability
If multiple LED types with filtering and mixing are used, then temperature resistance and light stability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED types and optical components into an integrated signal light assembly. The housing contains both first LEDs and second LEDs along with the necessary phosphor coatings, filters, and mixing optics, combining these elements into a single functional unit that delivers improved temperature resistance and light stability without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal light device performs multiple functions within a single structure: the first LEDs provide primary light emission, the second LEDs with phosphor conversion provide wavelength transformation, the filters provide spectral purification, and the mixing optics combine the outputs. This multi-functional integration achieves reliable temperature-resistant operation while maintaining a unified device architecture.
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 results in improved energy efficiency and reduced light degradation at high temperatures, extending the life of signal lights and ensuring proper light intensity across varying conditions, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more second type of LEDs emitting a light energy having a second dominant wavelength... a filter, wherein said filter filters said light energy of said one or more second type of LEDs such that only a third dominant wavelength passes
Implementation Method 2
a filter, wherein said filter filters said light energy of said one or more second type of LEDs such that only a third dominant wavelength passes from said one or more second type of LEDs
Implementation Method 3
a mixer, wherein said mixer mixes said light energy having said first dominant wavelength and said filtered light energy having said third dominant wavelength to form a light energy having a desired fourth dominant wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating an improved signal light is disclosed. For example, the improved signal light includes a housing, one or more first type of light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting a light energy having a first dominant wavelength deployed in the housing, one or more second type of LEDs emitting a light energy having a second dominant wavelength deployed in the housing, a filter and a mixer. The filter may filter the light energy of the one or more second type of LEDs such that only a third dominant wavelength passes from the one or more second type of LEDs. The mixer may mix the light energy having the first dominant wavelength and the filtered light energy having the third dominant wavelength to form a light energy having a desired fourth dominant wavelength.


