Variable-Beam LED Lamp Using Segmented Array and Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sources with fixed beam angles are limited in versatility, leading to suboptimal illumination in varying conditions, and individually addressable LEDs face challenges with space efficiency and heat dissipation due to the need for extensive electronic circuitry and close-packing constraints.
Innovation Solution
A light source design featuring individually controllable light-emitting devices arranged near a concave reflecting optic, allowing for variable beam divergence by adjusting drive currents based on device position, and utilizing a semiconductor substrate for efficient packing and heat dissipation, enabling flexible beam control and improved LED array performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fixed lens is used to create variable beam angles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different illumination conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED light source into multiple individually controllable LED elements arranged in an array. Each LED can be independently activated or deactivated to change the beam divergence angle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve variable beam angles without requiring multiple lenses or complex optical mechanisms, thus maintaining low device complexity while improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is moved away from the focal point of a lens or parabolic mirror to vary beam angle, then the adaptability to different illumination conditions is improved, but the beam quality deteriorates due to image degradation and formation of dark regions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the entire light source which causes image degradation, the patent segments the light source into multiple controllable LED elements. By selectively activating specific segments (LEDs) while keeping others off, the system changes beam angle without moving the overall light source position, thereby maintaining beam quality and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of beam angle by electronically switching individual LED elements on or off based on the desired beam divergence. This dynamic electrical control replaces mechanical movement of the light source, allowing real-time adaptation of beam angle while maintaining consistent optical quality.
3Productivity
If LEDs are close-packed to improve packing efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar close-packed LED arrangements to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple LED layers are vertically stacked above each other, allowing efficient use of horizontal space while creating vertical pathways for heat dissipation. This dimensional change enables both high packing efficiency and effective thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat dissipation structures (such as heat sinks or thermally conductive substrates) as intermediary elements between the closely-packed LED layers and the environment. These intermediaries facilitate efficient heat transfer from the densely packed LEDs without requiring increased spacing between them, thus maintaining both high packing efficiency and effective heat dissipation.
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 solution allows for adjustable beam angles without physical movement of the light source, maintaining beam quality, and enhances LED packing efficiency and operational lifetime through effective heat management.
Implementation Method 1
a concave reflecting optic, with the light-emitting devices disposed near a focal point of the reflecting optic and oriented to face in the same direction as the optic; light emitted by the light-emitting devices and reflected by the optic forms a light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Lamp including an array of LEDs disposed at or near the focus of a reflecting optic having multiple segments with different aiming angles (i.e. the angle corresponding to a reflected beam output direction), and a driver circuit for discretely activating some of the LEDs in the array. The angular distribution of the output light beam (e.g., the beam divergence) is adjusted by selectively changing the currents supplied to the LEDs.