SSL Lighting Panel with Embedded Conductor Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state lighting (SSL) edge-lit panels face challenges in maintaining a thin profile and economical construction while ensuring even light distribution and efficient power supply connections, which are crucial for applications like signage and general purpose lighting.
Innovation Solution
The SSL apparatus features a light-diffusive panel with channels and concave sections for conductor placement, allowing for internal power supply wire connections that do not protrude from the panel's surface, enabling efficient light distribution through total internal reflection and adaptable configurations for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional edge-lit panel construction is used, then light distribution can be achieved, but the profile thickness increases and construction cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds conductor channels within the thickness of the light-diffusive panel itself, rather than placing conductors externally or requiring additional structural layers. The channels are formed as integral parts of the panel structure, allowing power supply connections to be nested within the panel's own body, thereby maintaining a thin profile while enabling electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of conductors on the panel surface to a three-dimensional configuration where channels extend through the panel thickness. This dimensional change allows conductors to be routed through the panel body, eliminating the need for external conductor mounting and reducing overall profile thickness.
2Length of moving object
If conductors are placed on the panel surface, then power supply connections are simplified, but the profile thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor channels are nested within the panel structure, with the channels forming recesses or cavities inside the panel thickness. Conductors are placed within these embedded channels rather than on the external surface, allowing the conductor integration to be hidden within the panel body while maintaining electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure is segmented into functional zones: light-diffusive material regions and conductor channel regions. The channels are divided into multiple sections (e.g., first channel, second channel) that can be independently formed and positioned, allowing complex conductor routing to be broken down into manageable segments within the panel thickness.
3Productivity
If channels are added for conductor placement, then power supply efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-diffusive function and conductor placement function into a single integrated panel structure. The channels are formed as part of the panel manufacturing process rather than as separate additions, combining structural support, light diffusion, and electrical conduction pathways into one unified component, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-diffusive panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it diffuses light from LED elements, provides structural support, and contains embedded conductor channels for power supply connections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conductor mounting structures and reduces the overall complexity of the lighting assembly.
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 design achieves a thin profile and economical construction while ensuring even light emission and efficient power supply, making it suitable for diverse lighting applications, including signage and general purpose lighting.
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
The disclosed lighting apparatus has a light-diffusive panel having opposing first and second faces bounded by one or more sides and having one or more channels extending inward from one of the one or more sides. A first conductor is disposed on the first face of the light-diffusive panel and is proximate a first side. The first conductor has a concave section disposed within a channel of the one or more channels. A second conductor is disposed on the second face of the light-diffusive panel and is proximate the first side. The second conductor has a concave section disposed within a channel. Solid-state lighting (SSL) elements have light emitting portions that face a second side that is adjacent to the first side of the light-diffusive panel, and the SSL elements are electrically coupled to the first conductor and to the second conductor.