Solid State Lighting Fixture Heat Dissipation Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recessed solid-state lighting fixtures face challenges in dissipating heat generated by solid-state lighting elements, which can affect their operational efficiency and longevity.

Innovation Solution

The use of a heat-dissipating material for the external housing of the SSL assembly allows for effective transfer of heat from the SSL light engine to ambient air, combined with a thermal regulation circuit to manage temperature and protect the components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If solid state lighting elements are used in recessed fixtures, then energy efficiency and operational lifetime are improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational lifetimeVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture is divided into separate functional components: the recessed housing containing electrical components and the external SSL assembly containing light elements. This segmentation allows the heat-generating SSL elements to be positioned externally where heat dissipation is more effective, while keeping the recessed portion cooler and safer for heat-sensitive electrical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat sink structure acts as an intermediary between the SSL light elements and the ambient environment. The heat sink absorbs heat from the LED elements and dissipates it to the surrounding air through its extended surface area, effectively managing the thermal load and preventing overheating of the lighting components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If SSL light elements are mounted within a recessed housing, then installation is simplified, but heat dissipation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture separates the housing function from the light-generating function. The recessed housing provides simplified installation and electrical containment, while the external SSL assembly with integrated heat sink handles heat dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its primary function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The SSL assembly extends outward from the recessed housing into additional spatial dimension. This external positioning provides access to greater ambient air volume and improved airflow around the heat sink, significantly enhancing heat dissipation efficiency compared to confining light elements within the limited recessed space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution extends the operational life of the SSL fixtures, reduces maintenance, and maintains high efficiency by efficiently dissipating heat, thereby ensuring prolonged performance and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The SSL assembly is made of a heat dissipating material capable transferring heat generated by the SSL assembly to ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The external housing is made of a heat dissipating material capable transferring heat generated by the SSL light engine to ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11617254B2Solid state lighting fixtures
Publication Date: 2023.03.28 HLI SOLUTIONS INC
  • US11617254B2 patent drawing
  • US11617254B2 patent drawing
  • US11617254B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solid state lighting fixture that can be used in outdoor and indoor recessed lighting applications. The solid state lighting fixture has a recessed housing configured to be installed in a recess, and a solid state light assembly capable of being secured to the housing outside the recess. The solid state light assembly is at least partially made of a heat dissipating material capable transferring heat generated by the solid state light assembly to ambient air.