Surface mounted light fixture and heat dissipating structure for same
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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 surface-mounted light fixture with a unitary formed heat sink and lensed enclosure featuring a plurality of heat dissipating fins, where heat generated by the LED light source is conducted laterally through the heat sink to fins extending beyond the light source, and air flowing between these fins removes heat through convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs are implemented in light fixtures, then energy efficiency and robustness are improved, but heat build-up increases causing reduced light output and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is divided into multiple fins that segment the heat dissipation path, increasing the surface area for heat transfer from the LED junction to the surrounding air, thereby managing heat build-up while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional planar heat sink to a three-dimensional finned structure, adding vertical dimension to heat dissipation. The fins extend in multiple directions from the heat sink base, creating a volumetric heat transfer pathway that significantly increases effective heat dissipation surface area
2Duration of action of stationary object
If heat dissipation structures are added to maintain LED lifespan, then device complexity increases, but the structure must remain compact for surface mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink and mounting bracket are merged into a single integrated component. The finned heat sink structure simultaneously serves as both the thermal management system and the mechanical mounting interface, eliminating the need for separate heat sink and bracket components while maintaining compact surface-mounted form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The finned heat sink structure performs multiple functions: it serves as the thermal conduction path from LED to air, provides structural support for mounting the LED module to surfaces, and acts as the mechanical interface for installation. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while ensuring proper heat dissipation for extended LED lifespan
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
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 the two fins remove by convection heat conducted through the fins
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.