3D Pillar SSL Array for Omnidirectional Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state lighting (SSL) devices cannot directly produce white light and often result in directional light patterns, which are not suitable for all applications, leading to a need for SSL devices that can produce multi-directional light distributions.
Innovation Solution
The SSL device features a pillar with sloped facets and a flexible interface member with angled solid state emitters, allowing for even light distribution in multiple directions, and optionally includes a lens to further disperse light, reducing the risk of converter material fatigue and enabling efficient heat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional SSL device with a lens is used to disperse light in multiple directions, then light distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar LED array to a three-dimensional spherical LED array. By arranging LEDs on the surface of a sphere with different spatial coordinates (latitude and longitude angles), the system achieves omnidirectional light distribution without requiring additional external lenses or reflectors. The spherical geometry inherently provides multi-directional emission in all spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the spherical LED array into multiple discrete LED units positioned at specific latitude and longitude coordinates. Each LED emits light in a specific direction, and the collective arrangement of segmented LEDs across the spherical surface creates comprehensive omnidirectional illumination. This segmentation allows precise control of light distribution patterns.
2Illumination intensity
If converter material is deposited on LED to produce white light, then white light emission is achieved, but converter material fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the converter material layer from the LED structure. Instead of depositing phosphor or other converter materials on the LED chips, the system uses LEDs that directly emit the desired wavelengths. This extraction eliminates the converter material fatigue problem while maintaining white light emission capability through direct LED emission or combination of multiple LED types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple types of LEDs with different emission characteristics (different wavelengths, colors, and emission patterns) within the same spherical array. By combining LEDs that emit blue, green, red, and other wavelengths, the system achieves white light emission and various color temperature adjustments without relying on converter materials. Each LED type serves multiple functions including illumination, color rendering, and spectral distribution.
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 configuration provides a more uniform and dispersed light output similar to incandescent bulbs, enhancing the suitability of SSL devices for various applications by reducing the need for additional light dispersal components and improving heat management.
Implementation Method 1
SSLs use semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs), polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or other types of solid state emitters (SSEs) as sources of illumination
Implementation Method 2
The LED die 4 can include one or more light emitting components... The InGaN material 16 of the LED die 4 emits a blue light that stimulates the converter material 6 to emit a light (e.g., a yellow light) at a desired frequency. The combination of the blue and yellow emissions appears white to human eyes
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-dimensional solid state lighting (SSL) device array system and method are disclosed. An SSL device includes a support, a pillar having several sloped facets mounted to the support, and a flexible substrate pressed against the pillar. The substrate can carry a plurality of solid state emitters (SSEs) facing in various directions corresponding to the sloped facets of the pillar. The flexible substrate can be a flat substrate prepared using planar mounting techniques, such as wirebonding techniques, before bending the substrate against the pillar.