Range Hood LED Module Thermal Protection With Sensor-Triggered Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED light modules in range hoods are susceptible to overheating due to heat generated during cooking, which can lead to poor performance or damage, necessitating effective thermal protection to maintain efficient operation and prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that senses the temperature of LED light modules and initiates protective actions, such as reducing power, activating fans for forced convection cooling, or opening dampers for natural convection, to prevent overheating, using temperature sensors and processing devices to manage temperature within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If LED light modules are positioned in a range hood to provide lighting above the cook top, then illumination is provided for the cook top surface, but the LED lights are exposed to heat from the cook top and oven which advances temperature increase and can damage the LED lights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the LED light module from the direct heat path by positioning it on the back surface of the range hood rather than directly above the cook top, separating the lighting function from the high-temperature cooking zone while maintaining illumination effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary thermal protection measures by incorporating temperature sensors and control circuits that detect temperature changes before they reach damaging levels, allowing the system to take preventive action (such as reducing power or activating cooling) before the LED lights are damaged
2Illumination intensity
If LED lights are grouped together to increase light output intensity, then sufficient illumination is achieved, but the heat generation from multiple LEDs increases the thermal load on the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by multiple LEDs into a useful signal for thermal management. Temperature sensors monitor the heat accumulation, and the control system uses this information to adjust power delivery, thereby transforming the waste heat into feedback that protects the LED array while maintaining high light output
3Reliability
If temperature sensing and protective actions are implemented for LED thermal protection, then LED lights are protected from overheating, but the device complexity increases with additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service thermal protection system where the LED module's own temperature sensors detect overheating conditions and trigger protective actions through integrated control circuits, allowing the system to protect itself without requiring external monitoring or complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature sensing, control logic, and protective functions into an integrated system that works seamlessly with the existing range hood control architecture, reducing overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into unified control modules
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
Effectively prevents overheating of LED light modules, ensuring optimal performance and longevity by maintaining temperature within a safe range, thereby extending the lifespan of the modules and associated electronics.
Implementation Method 1
sensing the temperature of the LED light module during operation
Implementation Method 2
activating fans for forced convection cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for the thermal protection of LED light modules in a range hood appliance is provided. If the temperature of the LED light module reaches a predetermined temperature, one or more protective actions are taken to prevent over heating the LED light module. Such protective actions can include e.g., decreasing and/or terminating the power to the LED light module, opening a damper to provide air for cooling the LED light module, and/or activating a fan to provide forced convection cooling of the LED light module.