Removable Light Engine Modules for Solid State Lighting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state lighting devices face challenges such as limited color reproduction, temperature-dependent intensity variations, short lifetimes at elevated temperatures, and the need for complex circuitry to maintain color balance, which complicates their integration into conventional lighting systems without increasing equipment costs or space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with removable light engine components that include solid state light emitters, allowing for periodic replacement to extend device lifetime and operate at higher temperatures, thereby addressing color shift and efficiency issues while reducing costs and maintaining compatibility with conventional fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solid state light emitters are used to improve energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but additional components are required for heat dissipation and voltage conversion increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (heat dissipation, voltage conversion, light emission) into an integrated light engine module. The heat sink is integrated with the LED mounting structure, and the voltage conversion circuit is incorporated within the same housing, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying installation while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The light engine component is designed as a universal module that can be installed in various lighting fixtures. It performs multiple functions simultaneously: generating light, dissipating heat, converting voltage, and providing structural support, making it adaptable to different applications without requiring separate components for each function
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources with different colors are used to achieve desired color output, then color balance is improved, but additional circuitry is required to adjust current and maintain color consistency increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The light engine incorporates control circuitry that automatically monitors and adjusts the current to each LED based on their individual characteristics and aging rates. This self-regulating system maintains color balance without requiring external control systems or manual intervention, reducing overall device complexity while preserving color consistency
3Ease of repair
If light engine components are made removable to extend device lifetime through periodic replacement, then maintenance cost is reduced, but additional mechanical engagement structures are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular light engine components that can be independently replaced. Each module contains a complete set of LEDs, heat sink, and control circuitry, allowing selective replacement of only the faulty module rather than the entire lighting fixture, reducing maintenance costs while using simple mechanical engagement structures
4Illumination intensity
If solid state light emitters operate at elevated temperatures to increase light output, then illumination intensity is improved, but lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including current levels and thermal management based on environmental conditions and component aging. By optimizing the balance between current intensity and thermal dissipation, the system maintains high light output while preventing excessive temperature buildup that would accelerate degradation, thereby extending component lifetime
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
The solution enables extended device lifetime, improved temperature tolerance, and reduced costs by allowing for scheduled replacement of light engine components, maintaining color consistency and efficiency, and fitting within existing space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
Solid state light emitters (e.g., light emitting diodes) are receiving much attention due to their energy efficiency
Implementation Method 2
additional components are added to the lighting devices in order to address these challenges
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device, comprising a lighting device element and a light engine component (comprising a solid state light emitter) that is removably supported by the lighting device element. Also, lighting device elements that comprise a lens, a housing member, a mechanical engagement region, an electrical contact region and/or means for removably supporting a light engine component. Also, lighting device elements in which a retaining structure holds a light engine component, a portion of a light engine component is exposed to a lens. Also, lighting devices that comprise means for removably supporting a light engine component. Also, methods that comprise removing a light engine component from a lighting device element and removably supporting a second light engine component on the lighting device element.