WO2013028972A1

WO2013028972A1 - Led brilliant illumination light pipe lighting

Info

Publication number: WO2013028972A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/052268
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert D. Battis; Wayne Armstrong; John N. Magno
Original assignee: Laser Energetics, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-08-24
Filing date: 2012-08-24
Publication date: 2013-02-28

Abstract

Provided is a lighting fixture including one or more light pipes [100] having optical scallop contours [400] on a top side, the scallop contours [400] further including a layer of high specular reflector material [900], a first light emitting diode (LED) pump assembly [200] associated with the one or more light pipes [100], and a power supply [300] providing power to the light emitting diode pump assembly [200].

Description

LED BRILLIANT ILLUMINATION LIGHT PIPE LIGHTING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from US Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/526,706, filed on August 24, 2011, by Robert Battis, et ah, titled "ECOEarth-LED Brilliant Illumination Light Pipe Lighting". This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention generally relates to a light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), and more particularly to providing an high efficiency LEDs in a design that can replace conventional lighting fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Light Emitting Diodes ("LEDs") are currently packaged as clusters in a small envelop to replace individual incandescent bulbs or in small linear arrays designed as small direct projection radiation sites within a tube as a replacement for a single fluorescent tube. These "LED" fluorescent tubes require the same fixture style and parts as the standard fluorescent tube fixture, but without the ballast, as illustrated in Figure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An aspect of the present invention provides a lighting fixture including one or more light pipes having optical scallop contours on a top side, the scallop contours further including a layer of high specular reflector material, a first light emitting diode (LED) pump assembly associated with the one or more light pipes, and a power supply providing power to the light emitting diode pump.

[0005] In another aspect, the present invention provides that the high specular reflector material is selected from the group including of silver foil, aluminum foil, paint such as silver or aluminum, and a chemical such as barium sulphate, or the like.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the one or more light pipes also form a front panel having an exposed side, with the scallop contours arranged to pump light through the exposed side. [0007] In an aspect of the invention, light emitting diode pump assembly may be coupled to the front panel, either directly or by means of another light pipe, which may be integral to the one or more light pipes of separate.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, the lighting fixture is configured as a standard ceiling drop down fluorescent lighting fixture.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention provides that the wavelength of light emitted from the LED pump assembly is white at a predetermined temperature. In another embodiment, the wavelength of light emitted from the LED pump assembly is may be another, non-white color at a predetermined temperature.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the wavelength of light emitted from the first LED pump assembly is fixed. In another the wavelength of light emitted from the first LED pump assembly is variable.

[0011] Various aspects of the invention provide for a variety of alternative configurations or arrangements for the LED pump assemblies and light pipes. In one configuration the first LED pump assembly is positioned on one side of the light pipes, and more than one LED provides light for each scallop contour. In another, a second LED pump assembly is associated with the light pipes, with the second LED pump assembly being positioned opposite the first LED pump assembly. In another, the first LED pump assembly and second LED pump assembly pump light to alternate scallop contours.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture is provided including one or more light pipes, each having optical contours configured as a horseshoe with unequal sides on a top side a layer of high specular reflector material, a first light emitting diode pump assembly associated with the one or more light pipes, wherein the LED pump assembly is configured as a dense cluster of LEDs producing a highly concentrated luminous flux and, a power supply providing power to the light emitting diode pump. In an embodiment of the invention, the lighting fixture is designed to provide wall lighting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 depicts an exemplary LED light pipe lighting fixture useful for understanding the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 depicts an exemplary LED light pipe panel end view detail useful for understanding the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 depicts an exemplary LED pump assembly useful for understanding the present invention. [0016] Figure 4 illustrates an LED light pipe TIR mode, useful for understanding the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 depicts an exemplary top mounted LED pump useful for understanding the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 depicts a prior art conventional fluorescent light fixture employing

LEDs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the present invention. Furthermore, reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0020] Light emitting diode ("LED") light pipe lighting technology is a brilliant illumination concept using high efficiency LEDs in a unique design that can replace many conventional light fixtures such as, but not limited to: fluorescent ceiling lighting fixtures. This LED lighting technology provides benefits in lower installation cost, lower cost of ownership, lower room heating, higher illumination availability, higher efficiency, elimination of faculae, flexibility in re-layout lighting and avoidance of hazard waste. LED light pipe lighting technology should not be confused with "LED fluorescent tubes" which is a name common in the industry to describe a fluorescence tube shape containing a linear array of LEDs that is designed to replace individual fluorescent tubes.

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides for use of

LED light pipe lighting technology having numerous advantages compared with fluorescent tube fixtures. These advantages include but are not limited to: Increased Lifespan: Last twice as long as the average fluorescent tube, Lower Cost of ownership: At least 65% of a fluorescent fixture cost today, but projected to be less than 50% within 5 years, Lower Heat output: Does not cause heat buildup under fixture - temperature can be up to 2 degrees warmer under fluorescent tubes, Higher Efficiency: Lower electrical power cost to operate for same luminous flux, Higher Comfort Level: More ergonomic than fluorescent tubes - fluorescent tubes are not ergonomic: light is drab and all bulbs flicker - though not always visible to the human eye, No Hazardous Material: Fluorescent tubes contain mercury and must be disposed in hazardous material landfill, No Faculae (light or dark spots): LED light is well-distributed and more uniform from fixture, Improved Light fade: LEDs maintain rated luminous flux output for a longer period of their useful life, Ease of Re-lighting or location change: low voltage modular fixture simply replaces other ceiling tiles and plugs into dc power supply line, similar to low voltage garden lights, Improved shipping and storage: The LED fixture consumes less than 1/3 the volume of a comparable (same luminous flux) fluorescent fixture, Possible to create mode lighting: LED fixture may be configured with different colored LEDS in the same assembly, thereby allowing color changes or color mixing by remote control, and Ease of Dimming: LED fixtures may be dimmed by simply adjusting the drive current, remotely. Luminous flux is proportional to drive current. Typical or common fluorescent tubes cannot be dimmed.

[0022] In addition to these advantages over a fluorescent fixture, the present invention can produce a light panel for other uses, such as display backlights, a "wall of light", illuminated table tops or horizontal or curved surfaces, portable light panels for use in the entertainment industry.

[0023] Figure 1 presents an exemplary light pipe lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. LED light pipe lighting technology is shown, which includes a light fixture module consisting of a light pipe that doubles as a fixture front panel 100, LED pump module 200 and AC-DC power converter module 300. The light pipe panel 100 is designed as a standard ceiling tile panel, typically 24" x 48", and can therefore replace any opaque ceiling panel. As demonstrated in Figure 2, the light pipe is designed with a unique optical scallop patterned lenses/contours (hereinafter scallop) on the top 400 and may have a different contour, including flat, on the bottom 410, or output face.

[0024] In addition, the top scallop includes an overcoat, layer or deposition of a high specular reflector material 500, 900. This material may cover the top 100% or less than 100%. The material may be, but is not limited to silver foil, aluminum foil, paint such as silver or aluminum and a chemical like barium sulphate. In addition, selective overlays to the sides may be incorporated and these overlays further enhance efficacy, defined as the ratio of total luminous flux from the fixture to the power required to generate it. [0025] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the light panel has one Light Emitting

Diode (LED) pump assembly 200 attached to one side. This is illustrated in detail in Figure 3. The pump assembly 200 consists of an array of surface mount LEDs 300 attached to a heat sink 400. This attachment incorporates appropriate insulators (one or two) which isolate the diode connections from the metal heat sink. The spacing of these LEDs corresponds to the scallop dimension or distance between scallop centers of the light pipe panel 100.

[0026] Various embodiments of the invention may be represented by the following specified examples of non-optimal designs with high efficacy light radiating from the devices. Referring now to Figure 4, an extraction from the concept presented in Figure 1 is provided where only one scallop is illustrated in order to illustrate a concept referred to herein as "total internal reflection", or "TIR". In this embodiment, specular scattering media 900 causes light to exceed the TIR total internal reflection critical angle, thus causing light to escape the base of cylinder at a defined and or desired angle 700.

[0027] When the LED pump assembly 200 is connected to the light pipe panel 100 the LEDs are close to or touching the polished end of the light pipe panel 100. This coupling, pumps radiation into the light pipe, and by virtue of the top scallop design, high reflectance strip and overcoat operating in the TIR mode, the LED light is emitted from the front surface of the panel with high efficiency. The detailed design of the top scallop design, scallop to scallop interface notch, together with the top coatings treatment and configuration of the bottom panel profile are design optimization parameters leading to better than 85% efficacy.

[0028] The number of LEDs in the pump assembly, LED spacing, LED pump configuration together with their Luminous flux are design parameters that can be tailored to produce an LED fixture that has the same, more or less brightness when compared to a fluorescent fixture of similar dimensions. This parametric tradeoff of course follows the optimization of coupling efficiency in the design of the light pipe panel 100 scallops 400 and specular scattering media 900 overlay.

[0029] The LED Light Pipe Lighting fixture illustrated in Figure 1 is only one of several important LED pump configurations. The Figure 1 configuration is described as one side pumping of each scallop by one LED. Other configurations included in this concept are, but not limited to:

1. LED pump assembly on one side of the light pipe panel 100 with more than one LED pumping each scallop 400. 2. LED pump assembly on both sides of the light pipe panel 100 pumping each scallop 400 from both sides.

3. LED pump assembly on both sides of the light pipe panel 100 pumping alternate scallops 400.

4. LED pump assembly on one side of the light pipe panel 100 pumping two or more scallops 400.

5. One or more LED pumps on top of the light pipe panel 100 with each pump reconfigured as a dense cluster of LEDs producing a highly concentrated Luminous flux. And with this radiation coupled into the side of light pipe panel 100 using a second light pipe configured as a horseshoe with unequal sides. This light pipe horseshoe 800, illustrated in Figure 5, couples the Luminous flux in a horizontal direction from the LED pump(s) and directs it 180° into the side of the light pipe panel 100. This concept is illustrated in Figure 5. The horseshoe light pipe 800 spreads in the horizontal direction to cover all or part of the light pipe panel 100 length. More than one horseshoe light pipe 800 may be used.

[0030] Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting fixture comprising:

one or more light pipes [100], each light pipe [100] comprising optical scallop contours [400] on a top side, the scallop contours [400] further comprising a layer of high specular reflector material [900];

a first light emitting diode (LED) pump assembly [200] associated with the one or more light pipes; and,

a power supply [300] providing power to the first light emitting diode pump [200].

2. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the high specular reflector material [900] is selected from the group consisting of silver foil, aluminum foil, paint such as silver or aluminum, and barium sulphate.

3. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more light pipes also form a front panel having an exposed side, with the scallop contours [400] arranged to pump light through the exposed side.

4. The lighting fixture according to claim 3, wherein the light emitting diode pump assembly is coupled to the front panel.

5. The lighting fixture according to claim 4, wherein the light emitting diode pump assembly [200] is coupled to the front panel by means of another light pipe.

6. The lighting fixture according to claim 5, wherein the another light pipe is integral to the one or more light pipes [100].

7. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the fixture is configured as a standard ceiling drop down fluorescent lighting fixture.

8. The lighting fixture according to claim 1 , wherein the wavelength of light emitted from the LED pump assembly is white at a predetermined temperature.

9. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of light emitted from the LED pump assembly [200] is non-white at a predetermined temperature.

10. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of light emitted from the first LED pump assembly [200] is fixed.

11. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of light emitted from the first LED pump assembly [200] is variable.

12. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein the first LED pump assembly [200] is positioned on one side of the light pipes [100], wherein more than one LED provides light for each scallop contour [400].

13. The lighting fixture according to claim 1, wherein a second LED pump assembly [200] is associated with the light pipes [100], the second LED pump assembly [200] being positioned opposite the first LED pump assembly [200].

14. The lighting fixture according to claim 13, wherein the first LED pump assembly and second LED pump assembly pump light to alternate scallop contours [400].

15. A lighting fixture comprising:

one or more light pipes [100], each light pipe [100] comprising optical contours [800] configured as a horseshoe with unequal sides on a top side, the contours [800] further comprising a layer of high specular reflector material [900];

a first light emitting diode pump assembly [200] associated with the one or more light pipes [100], wherein the LED pump assembly [200] is configured as a dense cluster of LEDs producing a highly concentrated luminous flux; and,

a power supply [300] providing power to the first light emitting diode pump assembly

[200].