Stacked Circuit Boards for Lighting Device Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in lighting devices is to accommodate sensors and antennas, such as presence detectors, within limited space on circuit boards without obstructing light emission or compromising aesthetics, especially when using microwave radar technology that requires larger antennas.
Innovation Solution
A second circuit board with apertures is positioned between light emitting elements on a first circuit board, allowing for the integration of sensors and antennas without blocking light, thereby optimizing the use of space and enabling the use of larger antennas suitable for lower frequency presence detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna is positioned on the circuit board, then the presence detector functionality is enabled, but the available space on the circuit board is limited and may prevent proper antenna placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional circuit board surface to a three-dimensional stacked configuration by adding a second circuit board layer. This vertical dimension provides additional space for antenna placement while maintaining the compact form factor, resolving the space limitation without compromising presence detection functionality
2Area of stationary object
If an external antenna is used, then sufficient space for the antenna is provided, but the aesthetics of the lighting device are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the lighting device structure by placing it on a second circuit board layer that is integrated into the device housing. This internal nesting provides sufficient antenna space while keeping the antenna hidden within the device, maintaining aesthetic appearance without external protrusions
3Area of stationary object
If a second circuit board is added to provide space for antenna, then antenna placement is improved, but light transmission may be blocked by the additional board
Solution Approach 1:
The second circuit board is designed with selective properties: it has apertures or openings in specific locations where light needs to pass through, while maintaining solid structure in areas where antenna placement is required. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of antenna space and light transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The second circuit board is segmented into functional zones: areas with apertures for light transmission and areas without apertures for antenna mounting. This segmentation allows the board to simultaneously fulfill both requirements of light passage and antenna support in different spatial regions
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A lighting device (100) is provided. The lighting device (100) includes a first circuit board (110), including at least a first light emitting element (130) and a second light emitting element (132) mounted thereon. The lighting device also includes a second circuit board (120) which comprises an aperture (140). The second circuit board is arranged relative to the first circuit board such that the aperture is positioned to match a position of the first light emitting element but not a position of the second light emitting element. The lighting device further includes a sensor and/or antenna (150), wherein at least a part of the sensor and/or antenna is provided on a portion (121) of the second circuit board which extends between the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element.