Removable LED Light Engine for Small-Aperture Recessed Fixtures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed lighting fixtures with small aperture formats face challenges in dissipating heat efficiently and require large ceiling openings for maintenance, necessitating disruptive repairs or replacements.
Innovation Solution
A recessed lighting fixture design allows for the removal and replacement of LED light engine assemblies through a small ceiling opening using a mechanical connector and heat sink system, enabling thermal coupling and mechanical connection without altering the ceiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a one-piece light fixture design is used, then heat dissipation is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into separate modules: a fixed housing and a removable light engine assembly. The light engine assembly can be detached and replaced through the aperture without removing the entire fixture, enabling easy maintenance while preserving the heat dissipation structure of the original fixture.
2Ease of repair
If a large diameter trim is used, then ease of repair is improved, but area of stationary object worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is segmented into a permanent housing and a removable light engine assembly. The light engine can be accessed through a small aperture in the ceiling, eliminating the need for large trim and minimizing ceiling modification while still allowing easy replacement of the light source.
3Ease of repair
If the ceiling is altered for access, then ease of repair is improved, but loss of substance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The design separates the light engine assembly from the housing, allowing the light engine to be removed and replaced through an existing small aperture without any ceiling alteration. This preserves the ceiling material while providing easy access for repairs.
4Ease of repair
If a modular light engine assembly is used, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into a fixed housing and a removable light engine assembly that can be easily detached and replaced through the aperture. This modular design simplifies maintenance operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light engine assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the housing. This allows the light source to be independently replaced without affecting the housing or other components, simplifying the repair process.
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 maintenance and replacement of LED components without disturbing the ceiling, maintaining efficient heat dissipation and light output.
Implementation Method 1
A heat sink is connected to the enclosure and has a thermal interface... the base can a thermal interface adapted for thermal coupling to the thermal interface of the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A recessed light fixture has a heat sink and a removable light engine assembly. A thermally conductive base of the light engine assembly has an LED and has a thermal interface adapted for thermal coupling to a thermal interface of the heat sink. A mechanical connector in the enclosure can connect the base of the light engine assembly to the heat sink and couple the thermal interfaces of the light engine assembly and heat sink. The base of the light engine assembly is insertable through an opening in the ceiling aligned and can be urged into connected and disconnected states, from within the room, with a minimal clearance between the opening in the ceiling and the base, whereby the light engine assembly can be replaced or serviced from within the room without disturbing the ceiling and without the use of a large diameter trim.