Staggered COB LED Horticultural Lighting Array for Uniform Photonic Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horticultural lighting systems suffer from non-uniform photonic density distribution, leading to uneven plant growth and limited spectral customization, with existing LED solutions failing to adequately address the issue of hotspots and heat damage.
Innovation Solution
A horticultural lighting array featuring a rectangular frame with chip-on-board (COB) LED units and LED strips arranged in a staggered configuration, providing regulated power and dimmable light output to achieve uniform photonic density and spectral customization across a four-foot by four-foot area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single high intensity discharge lamp is used to cover a large area, then the lighting system complexity is reduced, but the photonic density distribution becomes non-uniform with hotspots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large-area lighting system into multiple smaller LED modules arranged in a matrix pattern. Each module contains multiple LEDs that collectively cover the grow area, transforming one complex high-intensity source into many simpler low-intensity sources that naturally distribute light more uniformly without hotspots
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions LEDs at specific locations including corner positions and intermediate positions along frame members, creating localized light sources distributed throughout the grow area. This spatial distribution ensures each region receives appropriate light intensity, eliminating the uniform hotspot problem of single-source systems
2Illumination intensity
If LED elements are added to fill the overhead area to improve light uniformity, then photonic density distribution improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard frame members (such as aluminum extrusions) that serve multiple functions: structural support for the lighting array, mounting rails for LED modules, and potentially heat dissipation pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device despite the distributed LED configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular spacing parameters for LED modules (e.g., 12-inch spacing along frame members) and uses standardized module dimensions that optimize light distribution while controlling component count. These parameter optimizations balance uniformity improvement with device complexity management
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the height of the lighting system is adjusted to prevent heat damage to plants, then plant safety is improved, but the non-uniformity of light distribution is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LED technology which inherently generates less heat than traditional HPS lamps, converting the heat problem into a benefit. The lower thermal output allows the lighting system to be positioned closer to plants without causing heat damage, and the close proximity enhances light uniformity while maintaining plant safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter of the light source by using LEDs instead of HPS lamps. This parameter change enables operation at lower temperatures, allowing reduced mounting height that simultaneously improves light uniformity and prevents heat damage to plants
4Object-affected harmful factors
If lower intensity LEDs are used in a matrix to reduce heat output, then heat damage is reduced, but the photonic density uniformity remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system into multiple low-intensity LED modules distributed in a matrix pattern across the grow area. This segmentation transforms the light distribution pattern, where many small sources collectively provide superior uniformity compared to fewer higher-intensity sources, while maintaining low heat output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges LED modules in a two-dimensional matrix pattern across the horizontal plane of the grow area, rather than concentrating light sources in a single vertical position. This spatial dimensionality change ensures uniform light distribution across the entire canopy area while maintaining low individual source intensity and heat generation
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
The solution achieves a variance in photonic density of less than 150 and standard deviation of less than 200, reducing heat-related issues and allowing for consistent growth without the need for frequent height adjustments, while maintaining optimal canopy penetration and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of chip on board (COB) light emitting diode (LED) units mounted in the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting array for providing artificial light include a square or rectangular frame on which a plurality of chip on board (COB) units are mounted. Each COB units includes a light emitting diode (LED) element. The COB units are mounted in an arrangement of columns and rows, where there are an odd number of columns defined, and COB units on odd numbered columns do not share rows with COB units positioned on even numbered columns. The arrangement achieves a greater uniformity of light intensity over a given growing area compared to conventional lighting systems, at similar light output levels.