Surface-Mounted LED Fixture with Lateral Heat Sink Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED-based light fixtures face challenges with heat build-up in electronic circuits, which reduces light output and shortens the lifespan of LEDs, necessitating effective heat dissipation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting apparatus featuring a unitary formed heat sink with heat dissipating fins and a lensed enclosure that retains the light source and power-consuming devices, where heat generated by the light source is conducted laterally through the heat sink to fins extending beyond the light source, and air flowing between these fins removes heat by convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are implemented for light fixture applications, then energy conversion efficiency and optical efficiency are improved, but heat build-up occurs which reduces light output and shortens lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the traditional light fixture structure by implementing a dedicated heat sink assembly with fins that conduct heat away from the LED junction. The heat sink is thermally coupled to the LED package and extends beyond the light source to maximize heat removal efficiency, separating the light emission function from the heat management function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the heat dissipation solution into a third dimension by implementing fins that protrude outwardly from the light fixture in the direction of light emission. This dimensional extension increases the surface area for heat convection without compromising the compactness of the light source, allowing heat to be dissipated in multiple directions simultaneously.
2Temperature
If heat dissipation structures are added to LED fixtures, then heat build-up is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat sink assembly with the light fixture housing by providing a recess in the housing that receives and integrates the heat sink and LED package. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and simplifies the overall assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the heat sink assembly, and facilitates heat dissipation through its recess design. The housing acts as both a mechanical enclosure and a thermal management component, reducing the need for additional specialized parts and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 maintains low temperatures at the LED junction, enhancing energy efficiency and lifespan, while providing a rigid and moisture-resistant design suitable for commercial environments.
Implementation Method 1
the heat generated by the light source travels by conduction laterally through the heat sink to the at least one coupled fin
Implementation Method 2
air flowing between these fins removes heat by convection
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting apparatus includes a light source, a unitary formed heat sink with a plurality of heat dissipating fins, a lensed enclosure that retains a light source and at least one power consuming device other than the light source. The lensed enclosure includes a recessed opening having at least a first wall that terminates at a substantially perpendicular second wall. The plurality of heat dissipating fins are disposed on at least one adjacent exterior side of the walled enclosure, the fins extending outwardly. At least one fin coupled to the heat sink extends beyond the light source, and the heat generated by the light source travels by conduction laterally through the heat sink to the at least one coupled fin.