SSL Apparatus Conductive Sheets Light Diffusive Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state lighting (SSL) apparatuses face challenges in achieving even current distribution and efficient heat dissipation, which can lead to uneven light emission and potential thermal issues in applications such as signage and general lighting.
Innovation Solution
The SSL apparatus employs a light-diffusive plate with disruptions on its surface for scattering light and a layered structure of electrically conductive and insulative sheets to ensure even current distribution and efficient heat dissipation, with SSL elements attached to a carrier that faces the plate's sides, allowing for mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If SSL elements are placed along edges of a light-transmitting panel for even light distribution, then illumination uniformity is improved, but current distribution becomes uneven leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrical connection system into multiple separate conductive traces instead of using a single continuous trace. These segmented traces are distributed across the panel structure, with each trace connecting to individual SSL elements. This segmentation allows independent current path control, enabling even current distribution to all SSL elements regardless of their position along the panel edges, thus resolving the contradiction between uniform light distribution and even current supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional edge placement of SSL elements to a two-dimensional distributed trace network. Multiple conductive traces are arranged in a planar pattern across the panel, creating a dimensional expansion of the electrical connection system. This dimensional change allows current to reach SSL elements at various positions along the edges through multiple pathways, ensuring uniform current distribution while maintaining the edge-lit configuration for even light emission.
2Area of stationary object
If SSL elements are arranged along panel edges for compact design, then device footprint is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different functional properties to different parts of the panel structure. The front surface maintains optical transparency for light emission, while the rear surface incorporates conductive traces with thermal management properties. The trace layer is specifically designed with materials and geometries that optimize heat conduction away from SSL elements, creating localized thermal management zones without compromising the compact edge-lit design or the optical performance of the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive trace system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections to SSL elements, enables even current distribution, and facilitates heat dissipation. By integrating these multiple functions into a single structural element (the trace layer), the invention achieves efficient thermal management in the compact edge-lit configuration without requiring additional dedicated cooling components, thus maintaining small footprint while improving heat dissipation.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrical connections are used for SSL elements, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision and alignment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrical connection function with the structural support function into a single integrated trace layer. The conductive traces are formed directly on or within the panel structure, eliminating the need for separate connection components. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while inherently providing precise alignment, as the traces are positioned during panel manufacturing with high precision, ensuring accurate electrical connections to all SSL elements without requiring additional alignment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive traces are pre-formed and positioned on the panel structure before SSL elements are attached. This preliminary action establishes precise reference locations for electrical connections, ensuring that when SSL elements are mounted along the panel edges, their electrical contacts align accurately with the pre-positioned traces. This sequential manufacturing approach, where connections are prepared in advance, significantly improves alignment precision while keeping the final assembly simple.
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 ensures even light distribution across the surface and effective heat dissipation, enhancing the performance and reliability of SSL apparatuses for various lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
light from the SSL elements is spread evenly through the panel by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
Disruptions formed on the surface of the panel scatter incident light so that light is emitted from the surface of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed lighting apparatus includes a light-diffusive plate having opposing first and second faces bounded by one or more sides. A first electrically conductive sheet is disposed on the first face of the light-diffusive plate, and an electrically insulative sheet is disposed on the first electrically conductive sheet. A second electrically conductive sheet is disposed on the electrically insulative sheet. A plurality of solid-state lighting (SSL) elements have light emitting portions that face a portion of the light-diffusive plate. The SSL elements are electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive sheet and to the second electrically conductive sheet.