Reconfigurable CoB LED Array for Adaptive Street Lighting Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chip-on-board (CoB) LED array based street lighting requires large and expensive freeform optics for various street patterns, leading to inventory and tracking challenges, which hinder the goal of providing a low-cost solution.
Innovation Solution
A source sensitive optic system utilizing reconfigurable CoB LED arrays with adjustable surface shapes to differentiate beam profiles and radiation patterns, allowing for multiple configurations to match specific lighting environments, reducing the need for multiple optic types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional freeform optics are used for different street patterns, then the lighting can be tailored to specific street types, but the number of optic types becomes excessive and inventory management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LED array configuration changeable through selective activation of different LED groups. The controller can dynamically reconfigure which LEDs are active, transforming the physical lighting pattern without changing the optic itself. This resolves the contradiction by providing multiple lighting patterns (adaptability) through a single static optic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single optic structure that can serve multiple street lighting patterns through reconfigurable LED arrays. Instead of having different optics for different patterns, one optic works with multiple LED configurations to achieve various lighting distributions, reducing the number of optic types needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple freeform optics types are maintained for different street patterns, then various lighting requirements can be met, but inventory and tracking complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes a single optic universal by pairing it with a reconfigurable LED array that can be programmed for different street patterns. This eliminates the need to manufacture and track multiple optic types, as one optic configuration can replace many, greatly simplifying inventory management while maintaining pattern coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the LED array (which LEDs are active, their intensity levels) to create different lighting patterns. This parameter-based reconfiguration allows a single optic to achieve multiple patterns, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Illumination intensity
If large freeform optics are used with CoB LED arrays, then the desired light distribution is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic reconfiguration of LED arrays to achieve different light distributions without requiring large, expensive freeform optics. By selectively activating and deactivating LED groups, the system can create various lighting patterns with simpler, smaller optics, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED array is segmented into multiple independently controllable groups. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of lighting patterns through software control rather than requiring complex physical optic structures, reducing the size and cost of the optics needed.
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
Enables cost-effective and efficient lighting solutions by allowing a single lighting fixture to adapt to various street patterns through reconfigurable CoB LED arrays and responsive optics, minimizing inventory complexity and enhancing adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
Semiconductor light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), provide efficient and robust full-spectrum lighting sources
Implementation Method 2
These structures capture and redirect light emitted by a light source, e.g. the CoB LED array, to improve its directionality
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is source sensitive optic that uses reconfigurable chip-on-board (CoB) light emitting diode (LED) arrays as light sources. In an implementation, the reconfigurable CoB LED array includes a predetermined number of LEDs that are configurable for a variety of illumination scenarios. In an implementation, the reconfigurable CoB LED array is multiple CoB LED arrays that are configured for use with the source sensitive optic as described herein. The source sensitive optic includes surface shapes that are responsive to the reconfigurable CoB LED array. The source sensitive optic is configured to provide beam profile and radiation pattern differentiation based on a CoB LED array configuration configured from the reconfigurable CoB LED. Each configurable CoB LED array configuration radiates a different beam pattern via the surface shapes due to proximity and surface shape geometries.