Vehicle Lighting Module Cooling With Axial Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting modules face challenges in optimizing cooling and bulkiness due to high-powered luminous sources, which can be damaged by operating temperatures, and ergonomic and environmental constraints.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a heat sink and axial-circulation member that includes a fluid circulation chamber, thermal-dissipating surfaces, and thermal-dissipation members to control fluid flow and increase heat exchange, allowing effective cooling of multiple light sources with different functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-powered luminous sources are used to generate required beam intensity, then illumination intensity is improved, but temperature increases causing damage to luminous sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated by high-powered luminous sources into a beneficial cooling mechanism. A fluid circulation chamber is introduced that allows coolant to flow through channels, absorbing heat from the luminous sources and converting this thermal energy into a controlled cooling process that maintains operational temperature while preserving high beam intensity output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid circulation system as an intermediary between the luminous sources and the external environment. The coolant acts as a mediator that transfers heat away from the luminous sources through a controlled circulation path, enabling the system to maintain high illumination intensity without direct thermal damage to the light-generating components.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling arrangements are used, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the structural housing of the lighting module. The fluid circulation chamber is integrated into the existing housing structure, and the coolant channels are formed as part of the housing itself rather than as separate components. This integration reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall cooling system while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, contains the fluid circulation chamber, and acts as a thermal management system. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate cooling components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving effective temperature control of the luminous sources.
3Temperature
If conventional cooling arrangements are used, then temperature control is improved, but volume and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the fluid circulation channels are embedded within the housing walls and internal structures. The coolant flow paths are nested within the existing housing geometry, allowing the cooling function to be accommodated within the existing volume envelope rather than requiring additional external space. This nesting approach enables effective temperature control without increasing the overall module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical and lateral dimensions of the housing structure to create three-dimensional coolant flow paths. By designing channels that extend through the thickness of the housing walls and utilize internal cavities, the system achieves efficient heat removal without requiring increased horizontal footprint or overall volume. The cooling system is distributed throughout the housing volume rather than concentrated in a single external component.
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 system optimally cools multiple light sources, maintaining them at acceptable operating temperatures while reducing bulkiness and improving manufacturing ease.
Implementation Method 1
at least one axial-circulation member for axially circulating a fluid... the heat of the luminous source is removed by thermal conduction and forced convection
Implementation Method 2
the heat of the luminous source is removed by thermal conduction and forced convection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooling system for a lighting module of a vehicle, the system includes at least one heat sink and at least one member for axially circulating a fluid, the heat sink including a first heat-dissipating surface and a second heat-dissipating surface extending in intersecting planes, the heat sink including at least one thermal dissipation member and at least one wall which, together with the axial circulation member and with the first dissipating surface, at least partially delimit a circulation chamber in which the fluid circulates and which opens, via a fluid outlet, onto the thermal dissipation member.