Solid State Lighting Device with Spaced Emitters and Luminescent Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid state lighting devices face challenges in achieving efficient energy use, reduced size, improved color rendering index, and longer lifespan, particularly in general illumination applications, where incandescent and fluorescent lights are inefficient and require frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
The design involves a lighting device with a first group of solid state light emitters and a second group spaced from a luminescent material-containing element, where most light from the second group enters the luminescent material before mixing with the first group's light, allowing for enhanced light travel and reduced self-absorption, thereby improving efficiency and color rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If solid state light emitters are placed close to luminescent material for compact design, then device size is reduced, but light self-absorption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light emitters into two distinct groups: a first group positioned close to the luminescent material for efficient light conversion, and a second group spaced farther away to emit light that travels through the device without significant self-absorption. This segmentation allows each group to serve different functional purposes, resolving the contradiction between compact size and reduced self-absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial dimensionality by positioning light emitters at different distances from the luminescent material and arranging them in different spatial locations within the device. This dimensional arrangement allows light from the second group to travel farther paths without being re-absorbed, effectively reducing self-absorption while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
2Loss of energy
If light emitters are spaced far from luminescent material to reduce self-absorption, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single luminescent material layer that serves multiple functions: converting light from the first group of emitters efficiently, and allowing light from the second group to traverse through with minimal self-absorption. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity compared to using separate structures for each purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminescent material acts as an intermediary element between the two groups of light emitters. It efficiently converts light from the first group while simultaneously serving as a transparent medium through which light from the second group can travel without significant self-absorption, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional light bulbs are used for long lifespan, then replacement frequency is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solid state lighting device provides both long lifespan and high energy efficiency through its inherent design. The light emitting diodes and luminescent materials are selected for their durability and efficiency, eliminating the need for frequent replacements while consuming significantly less energy compared to conventional incandescent bulbs, thus serving both requirements simultaneously.
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 results in increased energy efficiency, longer device lifespan, and improved color rendering, while minimizing system losses and size, making solid state lighting more viable for general illumination.
Implementation Method 1
solid state light emitters (e.g., light emitting diodes)
Implementation Method 2
luminescent material-containing element comprising at least one luminescent material, the second group of solid state light emitters being spaced from the luminescent material-containing element
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device comprising a first group of solid state light emitters, an element containing luminescent material and a second group of solid state light emitters spaced from the element. In some embodiments, (1) at least 50% of light emitted by one of the first group does not mix with light emitted by the second group before the light emitted by the second group has entered the element, (2) at least 90% of exiting light emitted by the second group travels farther within the lighting device than 90% of exiting light emitted by the first group, (3) an average distance traveled by exiting light emitted by the second group is farther than an average distance traveled by exiting light emitted by the second group, and/or (4) light emitted by the first group directly exiting the lighting device exits the lighting device without being incident upon the element.