US20090189549A1 - Heat Dissipation in a Lighting System and Method Thereof - Google Patents
Heat Dissipation in a Lighting System and Method Thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090189549A1 US20090189549A1 US12/197,589 US19758908A US2009189549A1 US 20090189549 A1 US20090189549 A1 US 20090189549A1 US 19758908 A US19758908 A US 19758908A US 2009189549 A1 US2009189549 A1 US 2009189549A1
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- Prior art keywords
- lighting
- temperature
- lighting device
- housing
- circuit board
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
- F21L4/02—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells characterised by the provision of two or more light sources
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
- F21V23/0414—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
- F21V29/70—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
- F21V29/74—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks with fins or blades
- F21V29/75—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks with fins or blades with fins or blades having different shapes, thicknesses or spacing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
- F21V29/70—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
- F21V29/74—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks with fins or blades
- F21V29/76—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks with fins or blades with essentially identical parallel planar fins or blades, e.g. with comb-like cross-section
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/006—Refractors for light sources applied to portable lighting devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/007—Array of lenses or refractors for a cluster of light sources, e.g. for arrangement of multiple light sources in one plane
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/10—Controlling the intensity of the light
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/50—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits
- H05B45/56—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits involving measures to prevent abnormal temperature of the LEDs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2111/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
- F21W2111/10—Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00 for personal use, e.g. hand-held
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/10—Controlling the intensity of the light
- H05B45/18—Controlling the intensity of the light using temperature feedback
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/30—Driver circuits
- H05B45/32—Pulse-control circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
- H05B45/30—Driver circuits
- H05B45/37—Converter circuits
- H05B45/3725—Switched mode power supply [SMPS]
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a lighting system and method thereof, and more particularly, to heat dissipation in a lighting system and method thereof.
- a mobile lighting device such as a flashlight
- a power source that is internal to the flashlight, such as a battery.
- the batteries of the flashlight device can be replaced when the state of charge of the batteries is below an adequate state of charge for providing electrical power for the light source of the flashlight. Since the flashlight is being powered by batteries, the flashlight can generally emit light while not being electrically connected to a power source that is external to the flashlight, such as an alternating current (AC) wall outlet.
- AC alternating current
- the batteries of the flashlight when the batteries of the flashlight have a state of charge that is below an adequate state of charge level, the batteries can be replaced with other batteries. If the removed batteries are rechargeable batteries, then the removed batteries can be recharged using an external recharging device, and re-inserted into the flashlight. When the removed batteries are not rechargeable batteries, then the non-rechargeable batteries are replaced with new batteries.
- a flashlight may contain an electrical connector in order to connect to a specific type of power source, such as the AC wall outlet, in addition to the batteries.
- a specific type of power source such as the AC wall outlet
- the flashlight can continue to illuminate light, but the mobility of the flashlight is now hindered. If the flashlight is directly connected to the AC wall outlet, then the mobility of the flashlight is generally eliminated. When the flashlight is not directly connected to the AC wall outlet, such as by an extension cord, the flashlight has limited mobility.
- a lighting device in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, includes at least one lighting source, at least one circuit board, a housing, a thermistor, and a controller.
- the at least one lighting source is electrically connected to the at least one circuit board.
- the housing encloses the at least one lighting source and the at least one circuit board, wherein the housing is in thermal communication with the at least one lighting source to dissipate heat generated by the plurality of lighting sources.
- the thermistor is in thermal communication with the at least one circuit board and the housing to monitor a temperature thereof.
- the controller is in communication with the thermistor, wherein the controller performs the steps of determining a temperature of the other of the at least one circuit board and the housing not in thermal communication with the thermistor based upon the monitored temperature, and altering an electrical power supplied to the at least one lighting source based upon the monitored temperature and the determined temperature to maintain at least one of the monitored temperature and the determined temperature below a temperature value associated with the at least one circuit board and the housing, respectively.
- a lighting device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, includes a plurality of lighting sources, at least one circuit board electrically connected to the plurality of lighting sources, a housing, a single thermistor, and a controller.
- the housing encloses the plurality of lighting sources and the at least one circuit board, wherein the housing is in thermal communication with the plurality of lighting sources to dissipate heat generated by the plurality of lighting sources.
- the single thermistor is in thermal communication with one of the at least one circuit board and the housing to monitor a temperature thereof.
- the controller is in communication with the thermistor, wherein the controller performs the steps of determining a temperature of one of the at least one circuit board and the housing not in thermal communication with the thermistor based upon the monitored temperature determined by the single thermistor, and altering an electrical current supplied to at least a portion of the plurality of lighting sources based upon the monitored temperature and the determined temperature to maintain at least one of the monitored temperature and the determined temperature below a temperature value associated with the at least one circuit board and the housing, respectively.
- a method of controlling thermal radiation emitted by a lighting device includes the steps of supplying an electrical power to at least one lighting source, emitting thermal radiation by the at least one lighting source when receiving the electrical power, and monitoring directly a temperature of the emitted thermal radiation of the at least one lighting source.
- the method further includes the steps of determining a temperature of a second component based upon the monitored temperature, and decreasing the electrical power supplied to the at least one lighting source when at least one of the monitored temperature and the determined temperature are above a value associated therewith, respectively.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting system having a plurality of lighting devices and a plurality of external power sources, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2B is a circuit diagram of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of a headlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4A is a circuit diagram of a spotlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4B is a circuit diagram of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A is a circuit diagram of an energy storage system of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the energy storage system of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of an electrical current supported by an external power source bypassing an internal power source of a lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 A′ is a front perspective view of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system illustrating vertical heat sink fins, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7A is front perspective view of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7D is an exploded view of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a headlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8D is an exploded view of an internal power source of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a spotlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a solar power source of a lighting system in a solar radiation harvesting position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the solar power source of the lighting system in a solar radiation harvesting position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10C is a front perspective view of the solar power source of the lighting system in a rolled-up position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of an electrical connector of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the electrical connector of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of an optic pack of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12C is a side plan view of the optic pack of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of an optic pack of a headlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13C is a side plan view of the optic pack of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14A is a side perspective view of an optic pack of a spotlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14C is a front plan view of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14D is a side plan view of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of a lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15B is a top plan view of the lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15C is a front plan view of the lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15D is a side plan view of the lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16A is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling at least one component of a lighting device of a lighting system based upon a temperature of at least one component in the lighting device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 16B is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling at least one component of a lighting device of a lighting system based upon a rate of temperature change of at least one component in the lighting device, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is an exemplary illustration of an illumination pattern emitted by a lighting source of a lighting device in a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
- the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
- An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
- a lighting system is generally shown at reference identifier 10 .
- the lighting system 10 includes at least one lighting device 14 , at least one electrical connector generally indicated at 12 , and one or more power sources 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 .
- the at least one lighting device includes a handheld lighting device generally indicated at 14 A, a headlight lighting device generally indicated at 14 B, and a spotlight lighting device generally indicated at 14 C.
- the invention is generally described herein with regards to the at least one lighting device including the handheld lighting device 14 A, the headlight lighting device 14 B, and the spotlight lighting device 14 C; however, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the lighting system 10 can include a combination of the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C and/or additional lighting devices.
- the at least one lighting device typically includes at least one lighting source and an internal power source, generally indicated at 16 , that supplies a first electrical current to illuminate the at least one lighting source, as described in greater detail herein.
- other embodiments include devices that emit the at least one lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C and/or the internal power source 16 .
- the lighting system 10 can include non-lighting devices, such as, but not limited to, a weather radio, a global positioning satellite (GPS) system receiver, an audio player, a cellular phone, the like, or a combination thereof.
- GPS global positioning satellite
- the at least one lighting source includes a white flood light emitting diode (LED) 18 A, a white spot LED 18 B, and a red flood LED 18 C.
- the white flood LED 18 A and white spot LED 18 B emit a white light having two different illumination patterns, wherein the white flood LED 18 A illumination pattern disperses the emitted light over a greater area than the white spot LED 18 B, as described in greater detail below.
- the white flood LED 18 A, white spot LED 18 B, and red flood LED 18 C can be any desirable color, such as, but not limited to, white, red, blue, suitable colors of light in the visible light wavelength spectrum, infrared, suitable colors of light in the non-visible light wavelength spectrum, the like, or a combination thereof.
- the flood beam pattern illuminates a generally conical shaped beam having a circular cross-section with a target size in diameter of approximately two meters (2 m) or greater at a target distance of approximately one hundred meters (100 m), and the spot beam pattern illuminates a generally conical shaped beam having a circular cross-section with a target size in diameter of approximately less than one meter (1 m) at a target distance of two meters (2 m).
- the flood beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of twelve degrees (12°) or greater with respect to the lighting source 18 A
- the spot beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of less than twelve degrees (12°) with respect to the lighting source 18 B.
- the spot lighting source 18 B can have a half angle of less than or equal to approximately five degrees (5°) for the handheld and headlight lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, and a half angle of less than or equal to approximately two degrees (2°) for the spotlight lighting device 14 C.
- the red flood LED 18 C can have a similar illumination pattern to the white flood LED 18 A while emitting a red-colored light.
- the term illumination pattern generally refers to the size and shape of the illuminated area at a target distance, angles of the emitted light, the intensity of the emitted light across the beam, the illuminance of the beam (e.g., the total luminous flux incident on a surface, per unit area), or a combination thereof.
- the shape of the illumination pattern can be defined as the target area containing approximately eighty percent to eighty-five percent (80%-85%) of the emitted light.
- the flood and/or the spot illumination patterns can form or define shapes other than circles, such as, but not limited to, ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles, symmetric shapes, non-symmetric shapes, the like, or a combination thereof.
- the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C can be other combinations of lighting sources with different illumination patterns, such as, but not limited to, two or more flood lighting sources, two or more spot lighting sources, or a combination thereof.
- the invention is generally described herein with regards to the at least one lighting source including the white flood LED 18 A, the white spot LED 18 B, and the red flood LED 18 C.
- the lighting system 10 can include lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C having a combination of lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C and/or additional lighting sources.
- the light sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C are connected to a LED circuit board 19 , as described in greater detail below.
- the plurality of power sources include a plurality of external power sources, wherein the plurality of external power sources include at least first and second external power sources that are adapted to be electrically connected to the at least one lighting device by the at least one electrical connector 12 .
- the electrical connector 12 electrically connects the external power source to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C.
- the plurality of external power sources can include an alternating current (AC), such as a 120 Volt wall outlet, power source 20 , a direct current (DC) power source 22 , such as an outlet in a vehicle, an energy storage system generally indicated at 24 , a solar power source 26 , a solar power energy storage system 27 , the like, or a combination thereof.
- AC alternating current
- DC direct current
- the handheld lighting device 14 A can be adapted to be held by a single hand of a user, wherein the hand of the user wraps around the longitudinally extending handheld lighting device 14 A.
- a thumb of the user's hand is positioned to actuate at least one switch SW 1 ,SW 2 ,SW 3 , or SW 4 , which alters the light emitted by the handheld lighting device 14 A, as described in greater detail herein.
- the headlight lighting device 14 B can be adapted to be placed over a user's head using a headband 21 , wherein the user actuates the at least one switch SW 1 ,SW 2 ,SW 3 , or SW 4 using one or more fingers of the user's hand in order to alter the light emitted from the headlight lighting device 14 B, as described in greater detail herein.
- a user generally directs the light emitted by the headlight lighting device 14 B by moving their head.
- the spotlight lighting device 14 C is adapted to be held in the hand of a user, wherein the user's hand wraps around a handle portion 17 of the spotlight lighting device 14 C.
- a user's hand is positioned on the handle portion 17 , such that an index finger of the user's hand can actuate switches SW 1 ,SW 2 , or SW 3 , and a middle finger of the user's hand can be used to actuate switch SW 4 , which alters the light emitted by the spotlight lighting device 14 C, as described in greater detail herein.
- the spotlight lighting device 14 C illuminates objects with the light emitted from the lighting source 18 B at a greater distance than objects illuminated by light emitted from the handheld lighting device 14 A and headlight lighting device 14 B.
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C include the internal power source 16 , and are electrically connected to the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 by the electrical connector 12 .
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can be electrically connected to the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 at the discretion of the user of the lighting system 10 , such that the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C are not consuming electrical power from the internal power source 16 when the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C are electrically connected to one of the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 .
- the user can electrically connect one of the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, such that the electrically connected power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 supplies an electrical current to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, according to one embodiment.
- one or more of the external power sources can be a rechargeable power source that can be charged by other external power sources of the lighting system 10 , or other power sources external to the lighting system 10 .
- the first external power source supplies a second electrical current to the at least one lighting device to illuminate the at least one lighting source 18 , 18 B, 18 C
- the second external power source supplies a third electrical current to illuminate the at least one lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, such that the internal power source 16 and one of the plurality of external power sources each supply electrical current to illuminate the at least one lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C at different times, as described in greater detail herein.
- the first, second, and third electrical currents are supplied at at least two different voltage potentials.
- the AC power source 20 receives electrical current from an AC source at a voltage potential ranging from substantially ninety Volts (90 VAC) to two hundred forty Volts (240 VAC) at fifty hertz (50 Hz) or sixty hertz (60 Hz), and supplies an electrical current to the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C at a voltage potential of about substantially 12 Volts, the DC power source 22 supplies the electrical current at a voltage potential of about substantially 12 Volts, the energy storage system 24 and solar power energy storage system 27 supply the electrical current at a voltage potential of about substantially 3.6 Volts, and the solar power source 26 supplies the electrical current at a voltage potential of substantially 8 Volts.
- 90 VAC substantially ninety Volts
- 240 VAC fifty hertz
- 60 Hz sixty hertz
- the internal power source 16 can be an electrochemical cell battery configured as a 1.5 Volt power source, such as, but not limited to, an alkaline battery, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, or the like.
- the internal power source 16 can be an electrochemical cell battery configured as a 3.6 Volt-3.7 Volt power source, such as a lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery, or the like.
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can be supplied with an electrical current having a voltage potential ranging from and including approximately 1.5 Volts to 12 Volts in order to illuminate the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can each include a first electrical path generally indicated at 28 , and a second electrical path generally indicated at 30 , wherein both the first electrical path 28 and second electrical path 30 are internal to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C ( FIGS. 2B , 3 B, and 4 B).
- the internal power source 16 provides the electrical current to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C through the first electrical path 28
- the plurality of external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 supply the electrical current via the electrical connector 12 to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C through the second electrical path 30 , such that the second electrical path 30 bypasses the first electrical path 28 .
- the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 when connected to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, supply the electrical current via the electrical connector 12 through the second electrical path 30 to illuminate the lighting element 18 A, 18 B, 18 C and supply an electrical current to the internal power source 16 to recharge the internal power source.
- the internal power source 16 is a rechargeable power source ( FIG. 1 ).
- the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C is not configured to be electrically connected to the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 , and thus, is not adapted to be connected to the connector 12 .
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C typically include the internal power source 16 and are configured to connect to one of the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 at a time.
- a battery voltage monitor generally indicated at 34 is in electrical communication with the internal power source 16 and the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 , when one of the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 is connected.
- the battery voltage monitor 34 determines if the internal power source 16 and external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 have a voltage potential.
- a processor or microprocessor 36 powers or turns on transistors Q 10 of the battery voltage monitor 34 , so that the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, or 14 C can determine if the internal power source 16 or the connected external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 has a voltage potential.
- the battery voltage monitor 34 activates a switch to turn on one of an internal battery selector, generally indicated at 38 , or an external battery selector, generally indicated at 40 .
- the internal battery selector 38 is turned on by switching transistors Q 8 , which can be back-to-back field-effect transistors (FETs), and the external battery selector 40 is turned on by switching transistors Q 9 , which can be back-to-back FETs.
- a method of supplying electrical current from the power sources 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 is generally shown in FIG. 6 at reference identifier 1000 .
- the method 1000 starts at step 1002 , and proceeds to step 1004 , wherein the at least one switch SW 1 or SW 4 is actuated, according to one embodiment.
- the voltage potential of at least one of the power sources 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 are determined.
- the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 have a greater voltage potential than the internal power source 16 when the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 is charged (e.g., energy storage system 24 ), and thus, by determining the voltage potential of the power sources 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 at step 1006 , when there are multiple determined voltage potentials, then the higher voltage potential is assumed to be the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 .
- step 1008 If it is determined at decision step 1008 that there is not an external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 connected to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, then the method 1000 proceeds to step 1010 , wherein the internal battery selector 38 is turned on. At step 1012 , electrical current is supplied from the internal power source 16 to a lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C through the first electrical path 28 , and the method 1000 then ends at step 1014 . However, if it is determined at decision step 1008 that one of the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 is connected to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, then the method 1000 proceeds to step 1016 , wherein the external battery selector 40 is turned on.
- step 1018 electrical current is supplied from the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C through the second electrical path 30 , and the method 1000 then ends at step 1014 .
- the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 is connected to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, after the switch SW 1 or SW 4 has been actuated to turn on the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, then the method 1000 starts at step 1002 , and proceeds directly to step 1006 , wherein the voltage potential of the power sources 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 is determined.
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can include a voltage regulator 42 ( FIGS. 2B , 3 B, and 4 B).
- the voltage regulator 42 is a 3.3 voltage regulator, wherein the voltage regulator 42 receives an electrical current from the internal power source 16 , the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 , or a combination thereof.
- the voltage regulator 42 determines which of the internal power source 16 and the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 have a higher voltage potential, and uses that power source 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 to power the processor 36 .
- the voltage regulator 42 can include hardware circuitry, execute one or more software routines, or a combination thereof to default to the internal power source 16 or the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 , when present, to power the processor 36 .
- the voltage regulator 42 regulates the voltage of the selected power source 16 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 to supply electrical power at a regulated voltage potential to the processor 36 .
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can include a converter 44 , a voltage limiter 46 , at least one LED driver, a reference voltage device 48 , at least one fuel gauge driver, a temperature monitor device generally indicated at 50 , or a combination thereof, as described in greater detail herein.
- the processor 36 can communicate with a memory device to execute one or more software routines, based upon inputs received from the switches SW 1 ,SW 2 ,SW 3 ,SW 4 , the temperature monitor device 50 , the like, or a combination thereof.
- the converter 44 is a buck-boost converter that has an output DC voltage potential from the input DC voltage potential, and the voltage limiter 46 limits the voltage potential of the electrical current supplied to the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C to suitable voltage potentials.
- the plurality of LED drivers can include, but are not limited to, a flood LED driver 52 A, a spot LED driver 52 B, and a red LED driver 52 C that corresponds to the respective lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the reference voltage device 48 supplies a reference voltage potential of 2.5 Volts to the processor 36 and temperature monitor device 50 .
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, the AC power source 20 , the DC power source 22 , or a combination thereof include components that are enclosed in a housing generally indicated at 54 .
- the energy storage system 24 , the solar power source 26 , the solar energy storage system 27 , or a combination thereof can include components that are enclosed in the housing 54 .
- the housing 54 is a two-part housing, such that the housing 54 includes corresponding interlocking teeth 56 that extend along at least a portion of the connecting sides of the housing 54 .
- the interlocking teeth 56 on a first part of the two-part housing interlock with corresponding interlocking teeth 56 of a second part of the two-part housing in order to align the corresponding parts of the housing 54 during assembly of the device.
- the interlocking teeth 56 can also be used to secure the parts of the housing 54 .
- additional connection devices such as mechanical connection devices (e.g., threaded fasteners) or adhesives, can be used to connect the parts of the housing 54 .
- the interlocking teeth 56 can be shaped, such that a force applied to a portion of the housing 54 is distributed to other portions of the two-part housing 54 along the connection point of the interlocking teeth 56 .
- the housing 54 of the handheld lighting device 14 A can be a tubular housing, wherein the internal power source 16 and the circuit board 39 are contained in a longitudinally extending bore of the tubular housing 54 .
- An end cap, generally indicated at 59 can enclose a first end or a front end of the tubular housing 54 .
- the end cap 59 includes an optic pack 57 , which includes at least the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, wherein the optic pack 57 A is described in greater detail below.
- the end cap 59 can be a light emitting end of the handheld lighting device 14 A.
- a tail cap assembly can be used to enclose a second end of the tubular housing 54 .
- the tail cap assembly 88 includes a connector 92 , as described in greater detail below.
- the tubular housing 54 can include external features, such as thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 .
- an external component 61 can be attached to the tubular housing 54 , wherein the external component 61 includes external features, such as the thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 .
- the external component 61 can be attached to the tubular housing 54 by any suitable form of attachment, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical attachment device, an adhesive, the like, or a combination thereof.
- the handheld lighting device 14 A has the internal power source 16 , which includes three (3) AA size batteries connected in series. Typically, at least two of the AA batteries are positioned side-by-side, such that the three (3) AA size batteries are not each end-to-end, and a circuit board 39 is positioned around the three (3) AA size batteries within the housing 54 .
- the internal power source 16 of the headlight lighting device 14 B is not housed within the same housing as the light sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, but can be directly electrically connected to the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C and mounted on the headband 21 as the housing 54 enclosing the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the internal power source 16 of the headlight lighting device 14 B differs from the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 that connect to the headlight lighting device 14 B with the electrical connector 12 .
- the headlight lighting device 14 B can include one or more internal power sources 16 that have batteries enclosed therein.
- the internal power source 16 of the headlight lighting device 14 B includes three (3) AAA size batteries, as shown in FIG. 8D .
- AAA size batteries are used in the headlight lighting device 14 B in order to reduce the weight of the headlight lighting device 14 B, which is generally supported by the user's head, when compared to the weight of other size batteries (e.g., AA size batteries, C size batteries, etc.).
- the spotlight lighting device 14 C has the internal power source 16 , which includes six (6) AA size batteries, each supplying about 1.5 Volts, and electrically coupled in series to provide a total voltage potential of about nine Volts (9 V).
- the six (6) AA size batteries are placed in a clip device 23 and inserted into the handle 17 of the housing 54 of the spotlight lighting device 14 C, as shown in FIG. 9B .
- batteries of other shapes, sizes, and voltage potentials can be used as the internal power source 16 of the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C.
- the solar power source 26 includes a film material 29 having panels, wherein the panels receive radiant solar energy from a solar source, such as the sun.
- the film material 29 includes one (1) to five (5) panels.
- the film material 29 via the panels, receives or harvests the solar energy, such that the solar energy is converted into an electrical current, and the electrical current is propagated to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C or the energy storage system 24 , 27 through the electrical connector 12 .
- the solar radiation received by the solar power source 26 is converted into an electrical current having a voltage potential of approximately eight volts (8V).
- film material 29 can be a KONARKATM film material, such as a composite photovoltaic material, in which polymers with nano particles can be mixed together to make a single multi-spectrum layer (fourth generation), according to one embodiment.
- the film material 29 can be a single crystal (first generation) material, an amorphous silicon, a polycrystalline silicon, a microcrystalline, a photoelectrochemical cell, a polymer solar cell, a nanocrystal cell, and a dyesensitized solar cell.
- the solar power source 26 can include protective cover films 31 that cover a top and bottom of the film material 29 .
- the protective cover film 31 can be any suitable protective cover film, such as a laminate, that allows solar radiation to substantially pass through the protective cover film 31 and be received by the film material 29 .
- the film material 29 and the protective cover film 31 are flexible materials that can be rolled or wound about a mandrel 33 .
- the mandrel 33 can have a hollow center, such that the electrical connector 12 or other components can be stored in the mandrel 33 .
- Straps 35 can be used to secure the film material 29 and the protective cover film 31 to the mandrel when the film material 29 and protective cover film 31 are rolled about the mandrel 33 or in a rolled-up position, according to one embodiment.
- the straps 35 can be used to attach the solar power source 26 to an item, such as, but not limited to, a backpack or the like, when the film material 29 and protective cover film are not rolled about the mandrel 33 or in a solar radiation harvesting position. Additionally or alternatively, end caps 37 can be used to further secure the film material 29 and protective cover film 31 when rolled about the mandrel 33 , and to provide access to the hollow interior of the mandrel 33 .
- the film material 29 can be a foldable material, such that the film material 29 can be folded upon itself in order to be stored, such as when the solar power source 26 is in a non-solar radiation harvesting position. Further, the film material 29 , when in the folded position, can be stored in the mandrel 33 , other suitable storage containers, or the like. Additionally, the protective cover film 31 can be a foldable material, such that both the film material 29 and protective cover film 31 can be folded when in a non-solar radiation harvesting position. The film material 29 and protective cover film 31 can then also be un-folded when the film material 29 is in a solar radiation harvesting position.
- the electrical connector 12 includes a plurality of pins 41 connected to a plurality of electrical wires 43 that extend longitudinally through the electrical connector 12 , according to one embodiment.
- the plurality of pins 41 are positioned, such that the pins 41 matingly engage to make an electrical connection with a electrical component of the device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 that is connected to the electrical connector 12 .
- the electrical wires 43 , and the pins 41 can communicate or propagate an electrical current between one of the light devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C and one of the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 and between the external power sources (i.e. the AC power source 20 to the energy storage system 24 ) at different voltage potentials.
- the electrical connector 12 communicates an intelligence signal from the power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 to the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, such that the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can confirm that the electrical connector 12 is connecting a suitable external power source to the connected lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C.
- the connector 41 includes an outer sleeve 45 having a first diameter and an inner sleeve 47 having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.
- the connector 41 can further include a retainer 49 that surrounds at least a portion of the plurality of pins 41 and the electrical wires 43 , according to one embodiment.
- the retainer 49 in conjunction with other components of the electrical connector 12 , such as the outer sleeve 45 and inner sleeve 47 , form a water-tight seal, so that a waterproof connection between the pins 41 and the electrical components of the connected device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 .
- the connector 41 includes a quarter-turn sleeve 51 , which defines at least one groove 53 that extends at least partially circumferentially, at an angle, around the quarter-turn sleeve 51 .
- the electrical connector 12 includes a flexible sleeve 55 at the non-connecting end of the quarter-turn sleeve 51 that connects to a protective sleeve 59 .
- the protective sleeve 59 extends longitudinally along the length of the electrical connector 12 to protect the wires 43 , and the flexible sleeve 55 allows the ends of the electrical connector 12 to be flexible so that the pins 41 can be correctly positioned with respect to a receiving portion of the device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 .
- the spotlight lighting device 14 C can also include a switch guard 32 , according to one embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 can include the tail cap assembly 88 .
- the tail cap assembly 88 includes a hinge mechanism 90 , wherein at least one cover is operably connected to the hinge mechanism 90 , such that the at least one cover pivots about the hinge mechanism 90 .
- a connector 92 is attached or integrated onto a cover 94 , wherein the connector 92 is the corresponding male portion to the electrical connector 12 .
- the connector 92 can include a flange that is positioned to slidably engage the groove 53 of the electrical connector 12 when the connector 92 is being connected and disconnected from the electrical connector 12 , according to one embodiment.
- the connector 92 is electrically connected to the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C when the cover 94 is in a fully closed positioned, such that when one of the external power sources 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , or 27 is connected to one of the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, or 14 C by the electrical connector 12 being connected to the connector 92 , the external power source 20 , 22 , 24 , 26 , 27 propagates an electrical current to the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the connector 92 When the cover 94 is in an open position, the connector 92 is not electrically connected to the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, and the internal power source 16 can be inserted and removed from the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C.
- the tail cap assembly 88 includes a second cover 96 that covers the connector 92 when in a fully closed position.
- the second cover 96 is operably connected to the hinge mechanism 90 , such that the second cover pivots about the hinge mechanism 90 along with the cover 94 .
- the electrical connector 12 cannot be connected to the connector 92
- the second cover 96 is in an open position, the electrical connector 12 can be connected to the connector 92 .
- the connector 92 does not have to be exposed to the environment that the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C is being operated in, when the connector 92 is not connected to the electrical connector 12 .
- the tail cap assembly 88 can include a fastening mechanism 98 for securing the cover 94 , 96 when the cover 94 , 96 is in the fully closed position.
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C have a plurality of lighting sources enclosed in the housing 54 , wherein at least one light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C of the plurality of light sources emits lights.
- each of the light sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C are in optical communication with a corresponding optic pack generally indicated at 57 A, 57 B, 57 C.
- the optic pack 57 A, 57 B, 57 C includes an optical lens, such that a plurality of optical lenses are enclosed in the housing 54 , wherein each of the plurality of light sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is in optical communication with one optical lens of the plurality of optical lenses.
- the plurality of optical lenses include a first optical lens 58 A associated with the white flood LED 18 A, a second optical lens 58 B or 58 B′ associated with the white spot LED 18 B, and a third optical lens 58 C associated with the red flood LED 18 C.
- the optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C reflects at least a portion of the light emitted by the corresponding lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, wherein at least a portion of the light emitted by the corresponding lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C passes through the optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C, as described in greater detail herein.
- a lens generally indicated at 60 A, 60 B, 60 C is substantially fixedly coupled to the housing 54 .
- the optic pack 57 A, 57 B, 57 C can include the optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C and the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C, wherein the corresponding light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C can be connected to the LED circuit board 19 and inserted into the corresponding optic pack 57 A, 57 B, 57 C.
- the optic pack 57 A including optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 C and lens 60 A is associated with the handheld lighting device 14 A
- the optic pack 57 B including optical lens 58 A, 58 B′, 58 C and lens 60 B is associated with the headlight lighting device 14 B
- the optic pack 57 C including optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 C and lens 60 C is associated with the spotlight lighting device 14 C.
- the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C is a single lens having a portion that is in optical communication with a corresponding light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C and corresponding optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 C, according to one embodiment.
- the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C also includes a plurality of surface configurations, such that at least one surface configuration of the plurality of surface configurations is formed on each portion of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C to control an illumination pattern of the light emitted from the corresponding lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- a first portion 62 of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C has a first surface configuration that is a flood surface configuration.
- the light emitted from the corresponding light source e.g., white flood LED 18 A and red flood LED 18 C
- a second portion 64 of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C can include a second surface configuration that is a spot surface configuration.
- the light emitted from the corresponding light source e.g., white spot LED 18 B
- reflected by the corresponding optical lens 58 B′ is directed through the spot surface configuration to produce a spot pattern.
- At least a portion of the plurality of the surface configurations are generally formed by chemically treating the portion of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C.
- at least one chemical agent is applied to the desired portion of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C surface (e.g., the first portion 62 ), and the chemical agent alters the surface configuration, which results in the light emitted from the corresponding light source (e.g., white flood LED 18 A and red flood LED 18 C) to be dispersed at greater angles than the light emitted through a smooth or non-treated portion of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C (e.g., the second portion 64 ).
- the corresponding light source e.g., white flood LED 18 A and red flood LED 18 C
- the flood beam pattern illuminates a circular target size in diameter of approximately two meters (2 m) or greater at a target distance of approximately one hundred meters (100 m), and the spot beam pattern illuminates a circular target size in diameter of approximately less than one meter (1 m) at a target distance of two meters (2 m).
- the flood beam pattern generally illuminates a target size at a first target distance having a greater diameter than the spot beam pattern at a second target distance, such that the light emitted in the flood pattern is emitted at greater angles with respect to the light source (e.g., the white flood LED 18 A and red flood LED 18 C) than light emitted in the spot pattern.
- the flood beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of twelve degrees (12°) or greater with respect to the lighting source 18 A, and the spot beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of less than twelve degrees (12°) with respect to the lighting source 18 B.
- the white LED light sources 18 A, 18 B are CREE XR-ETM LEDs
- the red LED light source 18 C is a CREE-XRTM 7090 LED.
- the spot lighting source 18 B, and corresponding optic pack 57 B can have a half angle of less than or equal to approximately five degrees (5°) for the handheld and headlight lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, and a half angle of less than or equal to approximately two degrees (2°) for the spotlight lighting device 14 C.
- an exemplary illumination pattern that is emitted by a lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is shown in FIG. 17 .
- the illumination pattern has a diameter D at a target, wherein the diameter D corresponds to an angle ⁇ , with which the light is emitted with respect to an optical axis of the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the illumination pattern of light emitted by the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C can be defined by the size or diameter D of the illumination pattern at the target, the shape of the illumination pattern, the intensity of the light emitted, the angle with which the light is emitted from the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, or a combination thereof.
- the light emitted by the white flood LED 18 A and red flood LED 18 C have a greater size or diameter D at a target, and the light is emitted at a greater angle ⁇ with respect to the optical axis of the lighting source than the white spot LED 18 B.
- the optic pack 57 A of the handheld lighting device 14 A includes the first, second, and third optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 C and the lens 60 A.
- the first portion 62 of the lens 60 A, 60 B substantially covers and corresponds with the first optical lens 58 A and the third optical lens 58 C
- the second portion 64 of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C substantially covers and corresponds with the second optical lens 58 B.
- the first portion 62 in conjunction with the first optical lens 58 A and the third optical lens 58 C produce a flood pattern of light emitted by the white flood LED 18 A and the red flood LED 18 C, respectively.
- the second portion 64 in conjunction with the second optical lens 58 B emit a spot pattern of illuminated light emitted by the white spot LED 18 B.
- the optic pack 57 B of the headlight lighting device 14 B is shown, wherein the optic pack 57 B includes the first, second, and third optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 C and the lens 60 B.
- the first portion 62 of the lens 60 B substantially covers and is associated with the first optical lens 58 A and the third optical lens 58 C, such that the corresponding white flood LED 18 A and red flood LED 18 C are directed through the first portion 62 to produce a flood pattern of illuminated light.
- the second portion 64 of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C substantially covers and corresponds to the second optical lens 58 B, such that light emitted from the white spot LED 18 B is emitted through the second portion 64 to produce a spotlight pattern.
- the optic pack 57 C of the spotlight lighting device 14 C includes the first optical lens 58 A, a second optical lens 58 B′, the third optical lens 58 C, and the lens 60 C.
- the first portion 62 of the lens 60 C substantially covers and corresponds to the first optical lens 58 A and the third optical lens 58 C, such that light emitted from the white flood LED 18 A and the red flood LED 18 C is emitted through the first portion 62 to produce a flood pattern.
- the second portion 64 of the lens 60 C substantially covers and corresponds to the second optical lens 58 B′, such that light emitted by the white spot LED 18 B is emitted through the second portion 64 to produce a spot pattern.
- the second optical lens 58 B′ that is included in the optic pack 57 C of the spotlight lighting device 14 C can have a focal point 66 that is deeper with respect to a top 68 that defines an opening 70 , wherein light is directed out of the second optical lens 58 B′ that is deeper than at least one other focal point of the plurality of optical lenses in the optic pack 57 C.
- the second optical lens 58 B′ can be a multiple-part optical lens, according to one embodiment.
- the multiple parts of the second optical lens 58 B′ can be attached to one another to form the second optical lens 58 B′ in the final assembly.
- the multiple parts of the second optical lens 58 B′ can be attached by suitable mechanical devices, pressure fitting, adhesives, the like, or a combination thereof.
- the second optical lens 58 B′ has a seam 72 that extends circumferentially around the second optical lens 58 B′ that separates the second optical lens 58 B′ into two parts.
- the second optical lens 58 B′ has a seam that extends longitudinally along the second optical lens 58 B′ to separate the second optical lens 58 B′ into two parts.
- the optical lenses 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C are conically shaped reflectors.
- the conically shaped optical lenses 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C are total internal reflection (TIR) optical lenses, according to one embodiment.
- the apex (vertex) of each cone shaped optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C has a concave surface that generally engages the corresponding LED 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- at least one of the optical lenses 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C have a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.7.
- the optical lenses 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C are made of a polycarbonate material, and the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C is made of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) material.
- the housing 54 can define an indentation 73 , as shown in FIGS. 7B , 7 C, 8 B, 8 C, 9 B, and 9 C, wherein a portion of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C is inserted in the indentation 73 to fixedly connect the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C to the housing 54 , according to one embodiment.
- the first and second potions 62 , 64 of the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C are optically aligned with the corresponding light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C and optical lens 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C when the lens 60 A, 60 B, 60 C is inserted into the indentation 73 .
- the lenses 58 A, 58 B, 58 B′, 58 C can be, but are not limited to, plano-convex lenses, biconvex or double convex lenses, positive meniscus lenses, negative meniscus lenses, parabolic lenses, the like, or a combination thereof, according to one embodiment.
- the optic pack 57 A, 57 B, 57 C can include a central lens section, an outside internal reflection form, a top microlens array, and a small microlens array.
- the central lens section can concentrate the light into a range of angles, and the outside internal reflection form can guide the light in the direction the light is to be emitted (e.g., a forward direction).
- the top microlens array can spread the light into a particular pattern, such as the flood illumination pattern, according to one embodiment.
- the small microlens array can be used to eliminate a square shape in the illumination pattern, such as for the white spot LED 18 B, according to one embodiment.
- the optic pack 57 A, 57 B, 57 C is a hybrid of components instead of the embodiment as described above.
- the sidewalls of the TIR lens can be reflectors, and a central lens portion can function as spreading optics to spread out the light and form the illumination pattern.
- the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C each include at least one lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C that generate thermal energy (heat) as a by-product, and the housing 54 that encloses the at least one lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C generally confines the heat and protects the components therein, according to one embodiment.
- the housing 54 is in thermal communication with at least one of the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, such that thermal radiation transfers directly or indirectly from the at least one lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C to the housing 54 .
- the housing 54 includes a body and a plurality of thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 .
- At least a portion of the plurality of thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 extend horizontally with respect to a normal operating position of the at least one lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C, shown in FIGS. 7A , 8 A, and 9 A. According to an alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 extend vertically with respect to a normal operating position of the at least one lighting device.
- the housing 54 is made of a thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, thixo molded magnesium alloy, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the thermally conductive material of housing 54 can be covered with an emissivity coating, wherein the emissivity coating increases the heat dissipation capabilities of the thermally conductive material.
- the emissivity coating can be a material with a heat conductive rating of approximately 0.8, such that the emissivity coating provides a high emissivity and promotes adequate radiant heat transfer.
- the emissivity coating can be, but is not limited to, a DUPONT® Raven powder material.
- the emissivity coating is applied to the housing 54 and baked onto the housing 54 after the molding process in order to provide a durable finish.
- the thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 can include at least a first thermally conductive heat sink fin 74 A and a second thermally conductive heat sink fin 74 B that define an approximately five millimeter (5 mm) spacing 76 between the first and second thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 A, 74 B.
- a horizontal thickness of the thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 can range from and include approximately 0.75 mm to one millimeter (1 mm), and the height of the thermally conductive heat sink fins 74 A, 74 B range from and include approximately four millimeters (4 mm) to 5.8 mm.
- the above dimensions can be altered to provide a thermally conductive heat sink fin 74 with a greater amount of surface area, which generally dissipates heat with greater efficiency than a thermally conductive heat sink fin with less surface area under substantially the same operating conditions.
- a thermal conductive gap filler is dispersed between the housing 54 and the LED circuit board 19 .
- the thermal conductive gap filler can generally be selected to have characteristics including, but not limited to, thermal conductivity, adhesive, electrical non-conductivity, the like, or a combination thereof.
- the thermal conductive gap filler can be used to conduct heat from the LED circuit board 19 to the housing 54 .
- the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive material is one watt per meter degree of Celsius (W/mC).
- W/mC watt per meter degree of Celsius
- One exemplary thermal conductive material that can be used as the gap filler is GAP PADTM manufactured by Bergquist Company.
- the thermal conductive gap filling material can have an adhesive property, which further forms a connection between the LED circuit board 19 and the housing 54 .
- the thermal conductive gap filling material is a dielectric material.
- At least one temperature monitoring device 50 can be in thermal communication with at least one of the LED circuit board 19 and the housing 54 .
- the temperature monitoring device 50 is a thermistor that monitors the temperature of at least one component of the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C.
- the temperature monitoring device 50 can be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, or a thermocouple.
- the temperature monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with at least one other component, such that the temperature monitoring device 50 directly monitors the thermal radiation emitted by the component or a rate of change in the emitted thermal radiation over a period of time.
- the temperature monitoring device 50 communicates the monitored temperature to the processor 36 .
- the processor 36 has hardware circuitry or executes one or more software routine to determine a temperature of at least one other component of the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C based upon the monitored temperature.
- the processor 36 can then alter the electrical power supplied to the at least one light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C in order to control the thermal radiation emitted by the light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C to the LED circuit board 19 .
- the electrical power can be altered by altering the electrical current, the voltage potential of the electrical power, or a combination thereof.
- the rate of change of emitted thermal radiation is monitored with respect to a commanded or selected light output function for the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the temperature of a component such as the housing 54
- the rate of change in the temperature of the component is a function of convection heat transfer (e.g., wind), conduction heat transfer (e.g., the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C being held), and radiation heat transfer (e.g., solar radiation).
- one of the white flood LED 18 A, white spot LED 18 B, and red flood LED 18 C, or a combination thereof, are illuminated and emit thermal radiation, which is transferred to the LED circuit board 19 .
- the temperature monitor device 50 is in thermal communication with the LED circuit board 19 , such that the temperature monitor device 50 determines the temperature of the LED circuit board 19 .
- the temperature monitor device 50 communicates the monitored temperature data, which includes, for example, resistance, of the LED circuit board 19 or data to processor 36 , wherein the processor 36 determines an approximate temperature of the housing 54 based upon the monitored temperature of the LED circuit board 19 .
- the processor 36 reduces the electrical power supplied to the white flood LED 18 A, white spot LED 18 B, red flood LED 18 C, or a combination thereof, in order to reduce the amount of thermal radiation emitted by the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the temperature value or threshold value that is compared to one of the monitored temperature or the determined temperature can be a temperature value, according to embodiment.
- the electrical power supplied may be controlled by altering the electrical current supplied to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, such as by using pulse width modulation (PWM) control.
- PWM pulse width modulation
- By reducing the electrical power supplied to the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C the thermal radiation emitted by the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is reduced, and the temperature of the LED circuit board 19 and housing 54 is also reduced. Therefore, reducing the electrical power, which reduces the amount of light emitted by the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, results in a temperature controlled lighting device that maintains a selected temperature for the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C.
- the temperature monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with the housing 54 , such that the thermal monitoring device 50 monitors the temperature of the housing 54 .
- the temperature monitoring device 50 then communicates the monitored temperature of the housing 54 or data to the processor 36 , wherein the processor 36 processes the data and determines an approximate temperature of the LED circuit board 19 based upon the monitored temperature of the housing 54 .
- the processor 36 can alter the electrical power supplied to the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C based upon the monitored temperature of the housing 54 , the determined temperature of the LED circuit board 19 , or a combination thereof, in order to reduce the amount of thermal radiation emitted by the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C.
- the processor 36 can increase the electrical power supplied to the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C based upon a monitored temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring device 50 , the determined temperature determined by the processor 36 , or a combination thereof, without regard to the component that the temperature monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with.
- the electrical power can be altered by altering the electrical current, which can be controlled by using PWM control.
- the supplied electrical power to the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C can be increased in order to emit more illumination from the LEDs 18 A, 18 B, 18 C, when the temperature within the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C is maintained at a suitable temperature, such that one of the monitored temperature of the determined temperature are below a second temperature value or threshold value.
- a method of controlling the electrical power supplied to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is generally shown in FIG. 16A at reference identifier 1040 , according to one embodiment.
- the method 1040 starts at step 1042 , and proceeds to step 1044 , wherein the temperature of a first component is monitored.
- the first component is the LED circuit board 19 , which is monitored by the temperature monitoring device 50 .
- the first component is housing 54 , wherein the temperature of the housing 54 is monitored by the temperature monitoring device 50 .
- an approximate temperature of a second component is determined based upon the temperature monitored at step 1044 .
- the second component is either the LED circuit board 19 or the housing 54 , wherein the temperature monitoring device 50 is not in direct thermal communication with the second component.
- step 1048 It is then determined at decision step 1048 whether one of the monitored or determined temperature is above a first value.
- the first value is approximately sixty-six degrees Celsius (66° C.), such that the LED board 19 is operating at approximately sixty-six degrees Celsius (66° C.) and the housing 54 is presumed to have an operating temperature of approximately fifty-five degrees Celsius (55° C.).
- the method 1040 proceeds to step 1050 , wherein the electrical current supplied to the light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is decreased. The method 1040 then ends at step 1052 .
- the method 1040 proceeds to decision step 1054 .
- decision step 1054 it is determined if one of the monitored or determined temperature is below a second value. If it is determined at decision step 1054 that one of the monitored or determined temperature is below the second value, then the method 1040 proceeds to step 1056 , wherein the electrical current supplied to the light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is increased. The method 1040 then ends at step 1052 .
- step 1054 if it is determined at decision step 1054 that one of the monitored or determined temperatures is not below the second value, then the method 1040 proceeds to step 1058 .
- step 1058 the electrical current being supplied to the light source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is maintained, and the method 1040 then ends at step 1052 .
- a method of controlling the electrical power supplied to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is generally shown in FIG. 16B at reference identifier 1200 , according to one embodiment.
- the method 1200 starts at step 1202 , and proceeds to step 1204 , wherein a temperature of a first component is monitored over a period of time.
- a rate of change of the emitted thermal radiation or monitored temperature is determined.
- the rate of change can be determined based upon comparing the current temperature of the component to a previous temperature of the component.
- the temperature of the component is monitored over a period of time.
- the temperature of a second component is determined based upon the determined temperature rate of change of the first component.
- step 1210 it is determined if one of the determined temperature rate of change or determined temperature of the second component is above a first value. If it is determined at decision step 1210 that one of the determined temperature rate of change or determined temperature of the second component is above the first value, then the method 1200 proceeds to step 1212 . At step 1212 , the electrical current supplied to the lighting source is decreased, and the method 1200 then ends at step 1214 .
- the method 1200 proceeds to decision step 1216 .
- decision step 1216 it is determined if one of the determined temperature rate of change or the determined temperature of the second component is below the second value. If it is determined at decision step 1216 that one of the determined temperature rate of change or the determined temperature of the second component is below a second value, then the method 1200 proceeds to step 1218 .
- step 1218 the electrical current supplied to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is increased, and the method 1200 then ends at step 1214 .
- step 1216 If it is determined at decision step 1216 that one of the determined temperature rate of change or the determined temperature of the second component is not below the second value, then the method 1200 proceeds to step 1220 .
- step 1220 the electrical current being supplied to the lighting source 18 A, 18 B, 18 C is maintained, and the method 1200 then ends at step 1214 .
- the monitored temperature of a component of the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C and the determined approximate temperature of other components in the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can be used for controlling different components or devices within the lighting devices 14 A, 14 B, 14 C.
- one exemplary use is to protect the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C from overheating when the lighting sources 18 A, 18 B, 18 C are LEDs.
- LEDs typically have an LED junction, and it can be undesirable for a temperature of such an LED junction be exceeded for extended periods of time.
- the LED life can be shortened.
- the monitored and determined temperatures can be used to prevent the LED junction from exceeding a temperature for an extended period of time.
- Another exemplary use is to maintain the temperature of the housing 54 at a desirable temperature.
- the approximate temperature of the housing 54 can be determined so that the temperature of the housing 54 can be maintained at a desirable level.
- a third exemplary use can be to determine an approximate temperature of the internal power source 16 , so that the internal power source 16 is operated under desirable conditions, as set forth in greater detail below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other components, devices, or operating conditions of the lighting device 14 A, 14 B, 14 C can be controlled based upon the monitored and determined temperatures.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/023,632, filed on Jan. 25, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to a lighting system and method thereof, and more particularly, to heat dissipation in a lighting system and method thereof.
- Generally, a mobile lighting device, such as a flashlight, is powered by a power source that is internal to the flashlight, such as a battery. Typically, the batteries of the flashlight device can be replaced when the state of charge of the batteries is below an adequate state of charge for providing electrical power for the light source of the flashlight. Since the flashlight is being powered by batteries, the flashlight can generally emit light while not being electrically connected to a power source that is external to the flashlight, such as an alternating current (AC) wall outlet.
- Additionally, when the batteries of the flashlight have a state of charge that is below an adequate state of charge level, the batteries can be replaced with other batteries. If the removed batteries are rechargeable batteries, then the removed batteries can be recharged using an external recharging device, and re-inserted into the flashlight. When the removed batteries are not rechargeable batteries, then the non-rechargeable batteries are replaced with new batteries.
- Alternatively, a flashlight may contain an electrical connector in order to connect to a specific type of power source, such as the AC wall outlet, in addition to the batteries. Typically, when the flashlight is connected to the stationary external power supply, the flashlight can continue to illuminate light, but the mobility of the flashlight is now hindered. If the flashlight is directly connected to the AC wall outlet, then the mobility of the flashlight is generally eliminated. When the flashlight is not directly connected to the AC wall outlet, such as by an extension cord, the flashlight has limited mobility.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is provided that includes at least one lighting source, at least one circuit board, a housing, a thermistor, and a controller. The at least one lighting source is electrically connected to the at least one circuit board. The housing encloses the at least one lighting source and the at least one circuit board, wherein the housing is in thermal communication with the at least one lighting source to dissipate heat generated by the plurality of lighting sources. The thermistor is in thermal communication with the at least one circuit board and the housing to monitor a temperature thereof. The controller is in communication with the thermistor, wherein the controller performs the steps of determining a temperature of the other of the at least one circuit board and the housing not in thermal communication with the thermistor based upon the monitored temperature, and altering an electrical power supplied to the at least one lighting source based upon the monitored temperature and the determined temperature to maintain at least one of the monitored temperature and the determined temperature below a temperature value associated with the at least one circuit board and the housing, respectively.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is provided that includes a plurality of lighting sources, at least one circuit board electrically connected to the plurality of lighting sources, a housing, a single thermistor, and a controller. The housing encloses the plurality of lighting sources and the at least one circuit board, wherein the housing is in thermal communication with the plurality of lighting sources to dissipate heat generated by the plurality of lighting sources. The single thermistor is in thermal communication with one of the at least one circuit board and the housing to monitor a temperature thereof. The controller is in communication with the thermistor, wherein the controller performs the steps of determining a temperature of one of the at least one circuit board and the housing not in thermal communication with the thermistor based upon the monitored temperature determined by the single thermistor, and altering an electrical current supplied to at least a portion of the plurality of lighting sources based upon the monitored temperature and the determined temperature to maintain at least one of the monitored temperature and the determined temperature below a temperature value associated with the at least one circuit board and the housing, respectively.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling thermal radiation emitted by a lighting device is provided that includes the steps of supplying an electrical power to at least one lighting source, emitting thermal radiation by the at least one lighting source when receiving the electrical power, and monitoring directly a temperature of the emitted thermal radiation of the at least one lighting source. The method further includes the steps of determining a temperature of a second component based upon the monitored temperature, and decreasing the electrical power supplied to the at least one lighting source when at least one of the monitored temperature and the determined temperature are above a value associated therewith, respectively.
- These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
- The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting system having a plurality of lighting devices and a plurality of external power sources, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2B is a circuit diagram of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of a headlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4A is a circuit diagram of a spotlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4B is a circuit diagram of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5A is a circuit diagram of an energy storage system of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the energy storage system of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of an electrical current supported by an external power source bypassing an internal power source of a lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; - FIG. 7A′ is a front perspective view of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system illustrating vertical heat sink fins, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
-
FIG. 7A is front perspective view of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7D is an exploded view of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a headlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8D is an exploded view of an internal power source of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a spotlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a solar power source of a lighting system in a solar radiation harvesting position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the solar power source of the lighting system in a solar radiation harvesting position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10C is a front perspective view of the solar power source of the lighting system in a rolled-up position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of an electrical connector of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the electrical connector of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of an optic pack of a handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12C is a side plan view of the optic pack of the handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of an optic pack of a headlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13C is a side plan view of the optic pack of the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14A is a side perspective view of an optic pack of a spotlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14C is a front plan view of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14D is a side plan view of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of a lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15B is a top plan view of the lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15C is a front plan view of the lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15D is a side plan view of the lens of the optic pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16A is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling at least one component of a lighting device of a lighting system based upon a temperature of at least one component in the lighting device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16B is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling at least one component of a lighting device of a lighting system based upon a rate of temperature change of at least one component in the lighting device, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 17 is an exemplary illustration of an illumination pattern emitted by a lighting source of a lighting device in a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. - Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments include combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a lighting system and method of operating thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like reference characters in the description and drawings represent like elements.
- In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
- In reference to
FIGS. 1-11 , a lighting system is generally shown atreference identifier 10. Thelighting system 10 includes at least onelighting device 14, at least one electrical connector generally indicated at 12, and one ormore power sources handheld lighting device 14A, theheadlight lighting device 14B, and thespotlight lighting device 14C; however, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thelighting system 10 can include a combination of thelighting devices lighting device internal power source 16. According to one embodiment, thelighting system 10 can include non-lighting devices, such as, but not limited to, a weather radio, a global positioning satellite (GPS) system receiver, an audio player, a cellular phone, the like, or a combination thereof. - According to one embodiment, the at least one lighting source includes a white flood light emitting diode (LED) 18A, a
white spot LED 18B, and ared flood LED 18C. Typically, thewhite flood LED 18A andwhite spot LED 18B emit a white light having two different illumination patterns, wherein thewhite flood LED 18A illumination pattern disperses the emitted light over a greater area than thewhite spot LED 18B, as described in greater detail below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thewhite flood LED 18A,white spot LED 18B, andred flood LED 18C can be any desirable color, such as, but not limited to, white, red, blue, suitable colors of light in the visible light wavelength spectrum, infrared, suitable colors of light in the non-visible light wavelength spectrum, the like, or a combination thereof. - According to one embodiment, the flood beam pattern illuminates a generally conical shaped beam having a circular cross-section with a target size in diameter of approximately two meters (2 m) or greater at a target distance of approximately one hundred meters (100 m), and the spot beam pattern illuminates a generally conical shaped beam having a circular cross-section with a target size in diameter of approximately less than one meter (1 m) at a target distance of two meters (2 m). Thus, the flood beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of twelve degrees (12°) or greater with respect to the
lighting source 18A, and the spot beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of less than twelve degrees (12°) with respect to thelighting source 18B. According to one embodiment, thespot lighting source 18B can have a half angle of less than or equal to approximately five degrees (5°) for the handheld andheadlight lighting devices spotlight lighting device 14C. Thered flood LED 18C can have a similar illumination pattern to thewhite flood LED 18A while emitting a red-colored light. According to one embodiment, the term illumination pattern generally refers to the size and shape of the illuminated area at a target distance, angles of the emitted light, the intensity of the emitted light across the beam, the illuminance of the beam (e.g., the total luminous flux incident on a surface, per unit area), or a combination thereof. The shape of the illumination pattern can be defined as the target area containing approximately eighty percent to eighty-five percent (80%-85%) of the emitted light. - It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the flood and/or the spot illumination patterns can form or define shapes other than circles, such as, but not limited to, ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles, symmetric shapes, non-symmetric shapes, the like, or a combination thereof. It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
lighting sources - For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the invention is generally described herein with regards to the at least one lighting source including the
white flood LED 18A, thewhite spot LED 18B, and thered flood LED 18C. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thelighting system 10 can includelighting devices lighting sources light sources LED circuit board 19, as described in greater detail below. - The plurality of power sources include a plurality of external power sources, wherein the plurality of external power sources include at least first and second external power sources that are adapted to be electrically connected to the at least one lighting device by the at least one
electrical connector 12. Typically, theelectrical connector 12 electrically connects the external power source to thelighting device power source 20, a direct current (DC)power source 22, such as an outlet in a vehicle, an energy storage system generally indicated at 24, asolar power source 26, a solar powerenergy storage system 27, the like, or a combination thereof. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of external power sources can be configured to connect with thelighting device - For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the
handheld lighting device 14A can be adapted to be held by a single hand of a user, wherein the hand of the user wraps around the longitudinally extendinghandheld lighting device 14A. Thus, a thumb of the user's hand is positioned to actuate at least one switch SW1,SW2,SW3, or SW4, which alters the light emitted by thehandheld lighting device 14A, as described in greater detail herein. Theheadlight lighting device 14B can be adapted to be placed over a user's head using aheadband 21, wherein the user actuates the at least one switch SW1,SW2,SW3, or SW4 using one or more fingers of the user's hand in order to alter the light emitted from theheadlight lighting device 14B, as described in greater detail herein. Thus, a user generally directs the light emitted by theheadlight lighting device 14B by moving their head. Additionally or alternatively, thespotlight lighting device 14C is adapted to be held in the hand of a user, wherein the user's hand wraps around ahandle portion 17 of thespotlight lighting device 14C. Typically, a user's hand is positioned on thehandle portion 17, such that an index finger of the user's hand can actuate switches SW1,SW2, or SW3, and a middle finger of the user's hand can be used to actuate switch SW4, which alters the light emitted by thespotlight lighting device 14C, as described in greater detail herein. Generally, thespotlight lighting device 14C illuminates objects with the light emitted from thelighting source 18B at a greater distance than objects illuminated by light emitted from thehandheld lighting device 14A andheadlight lighting device 14B. - Typically, the
lighting devices internal power source 16, and are electrically connected to theexternal power sources electrical connector 12. Thelighting devices external power sources lighting system 10, such that thelighting devices internal power source 16 when thelighting devices external power sources internal power source 16 or the state of charge of theinternal power source 16 is below an adequate level, the user can electrically connect one of theexternal power sources lighting device power source lighting source lighting system 10, or other power sources external to thelighting system 10. - According to one embodiment, the first external power source supplies a second electrical current to the at least one lighting device to illuminate the at least one
lighting source lighting source internal power source 16 and one of the plurality of external power sources each supply electrical current to illuminate the at least onelighting source AC power source 20 receives electrical current from an AC source at a voltage potential ranging from substantially ninety Volts (90 VAC) to two hundred forty Volts (240 VAC) at fifty hertz (50 Hz) or sixty hertz (60 Hz), and supplies an electrical current to thelighting devices DC power source 22 supplies the electrical current at a voltage potential of about substantially 12 Volts, theenergy storage system 24 and solar powerenergy storage system 27 supply the electrical current at a voltage potential of about substantially 3.6 Volts, and thesolar power source 26 supplies the electrical current at a voltage potential of substantially 8 Volts. According to one embodiment, theinternal power source 16 can be an electrochemical cell battery configured as a 1.5 Volt power source, such as, but not limited to, an alkaline battery, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery, or the like. Alternatively, theinternal power source 16 can be an electrochemical cell battery configured as a 3.6 Volt-3.7 Volt power source, such as a lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery, or the like. Thus, thelighting devices lighting sources - According to one embodiment, the
lighting devices electrical path 28 and secondelectrical path 30 are internal to thelighting device FIGS. 2B , 3B, and 4B). Typically, theinternal power source 16 provides the electrical current to thelighting source electrical path 28, and the plurality ofexternal power sources electrical connector 12 to thelighting source electrical path 30, such that the secondelectrical path 30 bypasses the firstelectrical path 28. According to an alternate embodiment, theexternal power sources lighting device electrical connector 12 through the secondelectrical path 30 to illuminate thelighting element internal power source 16 to recharge the internal power source. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in such an embodiment, theinternal power source 16 is a rechargeable power source (FIG. 1 ). According to another embodiment, thelighting device external power sources connector 12. - The
lighting devices internal power source 16 and are configured to connect to one of theexternal power sources internal power source 16 and theexternal power sources external power sources internal power source 16 andexternal power source microprocessor 36 powers or turns on transistors Q10 of the battery voltage monitor 34, so that thelighting device internal power source 16 or the connectedexternal power source internal battery selector 38 is turned on by switching transistors Q8, which can be back-to-back field-effect transistors (FETs), and theexternal battery selector 40 is turned on by switching transistors Q9, which can be back-to-back FETs. - In regards to
FIGS. 1-6 , a method of supplying electrical current from thepower sources FIG. 6 atreference identifier 1000. Themethod 1000 starts atstep 1002, and proceeds to step 1004, wherein the at least one switch SW1 or SW4 is actuated, according to one embodiment. Atstep 1006, the voltage potential of at least one of thepower sources decision step 1008, it is determined if anexternal power source lighting device external power sources internal power source 16 when theexternal power source power sources step 1006, when there are multiple determined voltage potentials, then the higher voltage potential is assumed to be theexternal power source - If it is determined at
decision step 1008 that there is not anexternal power source lighting device method 1000 proceeds to step 1010, wherein theinternal battery selector 38 is turned on. Atstep 1012, electrical current is supplied from theinternal power source 16 to alighting source electrical path 28, and themethod 1000 then ends atstep 1014. However, if it is determined atdecision step 1008 that one of theexternal power sources lighting device method 1000 proceeds to step 1016, wherein theexternal battery selector 40 is turned on. Atstep 1018, electrical current is supplied from theexternal power source lighting source electrical path 30, and themethod 1000 then ends atstep 1014. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that if theexternal power source lighting device lighting source method 1000 starts atstep 1002, and proceeds directly to step 1006, wherein the voltage potential of thepower sources - With regards to
FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11, thelighting devices FIGS. 2B , 3B, and 4B). According to one embodiment, thevoltage regulator 42 is a 3.3 voltage regulator, wherein thevoltage regulator 42 receives an electrical current from theinternal power source 16, theexternal power source voltage regulator 42 determines which of theinternal power source 16 and theexternal power source power source processor 36. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thevoltage regulator 42 can include hardware circuitry, execute one or more software routines, or a combination thereof to default to theinternal power source 16 or theexternal power source processor 36. Thus, thevoltage regulator 42 regulates the voltage of the selectedpower source processor 36. - Additionally or alternatively, the
lighting devices converter 44, avoltage limiter 46, at least one LED driver, areference voltage device 48, at least one fuel gauge driver, a temperature monitor device generally indicated at 50, or a combination thereof, as described in greater detail herein. Theprocessor 36 can communicate with a memory device to execute one or more software routines, based upon inputs received from the switches SW1,SW2,SW3,SW4, thetemperature monitor device 50, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, theconverter 44 is a buck-boost converter that has an output DC voltage potential from the input DC voltage potential, and thevoltage limiter 46 limits the voltage potential of the electrical current supplied to thelighting sources flood LED driver 52A, aspot LED driver 52B, and ared LED driver 52C that corresponds to therespective lighting source reference voltage device 48 supplies a reference voltage potential of 2.5 Volts to theprocessor 36 andtemperature monitor device 50. - According to one embodiment, the
lighting devices AC power source 20, theDC power source 22, or a combination thereof include components that are enclosed in a housing generally indicated at 54. Additionally or alternatively, theenergy storage system 24, thesolar power source 26, the solarenergy storage system 27, or a combination thereof can include components that are enclosed in thehousing 54. According to one embodiment, thehousing 54 is a two-part housing, such that thehousing 54 includes corresponding interlocking teeth 56 that extend along at least a portion of the connecting sides of thehousing 54. According to one embodiment, the interlocking teeth 56 on a first part of the two-part housing interlock with corresponding interlocking teeth 56 of a second part of the two-part housing in order to align the corresponding parts of thehousing 54 during assembly of the device. The interlocking teeth 56 can also be used to secure the parts of thehousing 54. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional connection devices, such as mechanical connection devices (e.g., threaded fasteners) or adhesives, can be used to connect the parts of thehousing 54. Further, the interlocking teeth 56 can be shaped, such that a force applied to a portion of thehousing 54 is distributed to other portions of the two-part housing 54 along the connection point of the interlocking teeth 56. - In accordance with an alternate embodiment shown in
FIG. 7D , thehousing 54 of thehandheld lighting device 14A can be a tubular housing, wherein theinternal power source 16 and thecircuit board 39 are contained in a longitudinally extending bore of thetubular housing 54. An end cap, generally indicated at 59, can enclose a first end or a front end of thetubular housing 54. According to one embodiment, theend cap 59 includes an optic pack 57, which includes at least thelighting sources optic pack 57A is described in greater detail below. Thus, theend cap 59 can be a light emitting end of thehandheld lighting device 14A. Additionally, a tail cap assembly, generally indicated at 88, can be used to enclose a second end of thetubular housing 54. Thetail cap assembly 88 includes aconnector 92, as described in greater detail below. According to one embodiment, thetubular housing 54 can include external features, such as thermally conductiveheat sink fins 74. According to an alternate embodiment, anexternal component 61 can be attached to thetubular housing 54, wherein theexternal component 61 includes external features, such as the thermally conductiveheat sink fins 74. Theexternal component 61 can be attached to thetubular housing 54 by any suitable form of attachment, such as, but not limited to, a mechanical attachment device, an adhesive, the like, or a combination thereof. - According to one embodiment, the
handheld lighting device 14A has theinternal power source 16, which includes three (3) AA size batteries connected in series. Typically, at least two of the AA batteries are positioned side-by-side, such that the three (3) AA size batteries are not each end-to-end, and acircuit board 39 is positioned around the three (3) AA size batteries within thehousing 54. According to one embodiment, theinternal power source 16 of theheadlight lighting device 14B is not housed within the same housing as thelight sources lighting sources headband 21 as thehousing 54 enclosing thelighting sources internal power source 16 of theheadlight lighting device 14B differs from theexternal power sources headlight lighting device 14B with theelectrical connector 12. Further, theheadlight lighting device 14B can include one or moreinternal power sources 16 that have batteries enclosed therein. Typically, theinternal power source 16 of theheadlight lighting device 14B includes three (3) AAA size batteries, as shown inFIG. 8D . Typically, AAA size batteries are used in theheadlight lighting device 14B in order to reduce the weight of theheadlight lighting device 14B, which is generally supported by the user's head, when compared to the weight of other size batteries (e.g., AA size batteries, C size batteries, etc.). According to one embodiment, thespotlight lighting device 14C has theinternal power source 16, which includes six (6) AA size batteries, each supplying about 1.5 Volts, and electrically coupled in series to provide a total voltage potential of about nine Volts (9 V). Typically, the six (6) AA size batteries are placed in aclip device 23 and inserted into thehandle 17 of thehousing 54 of thespotlight lighting device 14C, as shown inFIG. 9B . However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that batteries of other shapes, sizes, and voltage potentials can be used as theinternal power source 16 of thelighting devices - In regards to FIGS. 1 and 10A-10C, the
solar power source 26 includes afilm material 29 having panels, wherein the panels receive radiant solar energy from a solar source, such as the sun. According to one embodiment, thefilm material 29 includes one (1) to five (5) panels. Thefilm material 29, via the panels, receives or harvests the solar energy, such that the solar energy is converted into an electrical current, and the electrical current is propagated to thelighting device energy storage system electrical connector 12. According to one embodiment, the solar radiation received by thesolar power source 26 is converted into an electrical current having a voltage potential of approximately eight volts (8V). Further,film material 29 can be a KONARKA™ film material, such as a composite photovoltaic material, in which polymers with nano particles can be mixed together to make a single multi-spectrum layer (fourth generation), according to one embodiment. According to other embodiments, thefilm material 29 can be a single crystal (first generation) material, an amorphous silicon, a polycrystalline silicon, a microcrystalline, a photoelectrochemical cell, a polymer solar cell, a nanocrystal cell, and a dyesensitized solar cell. Additionally, thesolar power source 26 can includeprotective cover films 31 that cover a top and bottom of thefilm material 29. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, theprotective cover film 31 can be any suitable protective cover film, such as a laminate, that allows solar radiation to substantially pass through theprotective cover film 31 and be received by thefilm material 29. - According to one embodiment, the
film material 29 and theprotective cover film 31 are flexible materials that can be rolled or wound about amandrel 33. Themandrel 33 can have a hollow center, such that theelectrical connector 12 or other components can be stored in themandrel 33.Straps 35 can be used to secure thefilm material 29 and theprotective cover film 31 to the mandrel when thefilm material 29 andprotective cover film 31 are rolled about themandrel 33 or in a rolled-up position, according to one embodiment. Additionally, thestraps 35 can be used to attach thesolar power source 26 to an item, such as, but not limited to, a backpack or the like, when thefilm material 29 and protective cover film are not rolled about themandrel 33 or in a solar radiation harvesting position. Additionally or alternatively, end caps 37 can be used to further secure thefilm material 29 andprotective cover film 31 when rolled about themandrel 33, and to provide access to the hollow interior of themandrel 33. - According to an alternate embodiment, the
film material 29 can be a foldable material, such that thefilm material 29 can be folded upon itself in order to be stored, such as when thesolar power source 26 is in a non-solar radiation harvesting position. Further, thefilm material 29, when in the folded position, can be stored in themandrel 33, other suitable storage containers, or the like. Additionally, theprotective cover film 31 can be a foldable material, such that both thefilm material 29 andprotective cover film 31 can be folded when in a non-solar radiation harvesting position. Thefilm material 29 andprotective cover film 31 can then also be un-folded when thefilm material 29 is in a solar radiation harvesting position. - With respect to
FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11, theelectrical connector 12 includes a plurality ofpins 41 connected to a plurality ofelectrical wires 43 that extend longitudinally through theelectrical connector 12, according to one embodiment. Typically, the plurality ofpins 41 are positioned, such that thepins 41 matingly engage to make an electrical connection with a electrical component of thedevice electrical connector 12. Thus, theelectrical wires 43, and thepins 41, can communicate or propagate an electrical current between one of thelight devices external power sources AC power source 20 to the energy storage system 24) at different voltage potentials. According to one embodiment, theelectrical connector 12 communicates an intelligence signal from thepower source lighting device lighting device electrical connector 12 is connecting a suitable external power source to theconnected lighting device - According to one embodiment, the
connector 41 includes anouter sleeve 45 having a first diameter and aninner sleeve 47 having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. Theconnector 41 can further include aretainer 49 that surrounds at least a portion of the plurality ofpins 41 and theelectrical wires 43, according to one embodiment. Theretainer 49, in conjunction with other components of theelectrical connector 12, such as theouter sleeve 45 andinner sleeve 47, form a water-tight seal, so that a waterproof connection between thepins 41 and the electrical components of theconnected device - Additionally or alternatively, the
connector 41 includes a quarter-turn sleeve 51, which defines at least onegroove 53 that extends at least partially circumferentially, at an angle, around the quarter-turn sleeve 51. According to one embodiment, theelectrical connector 12 includes aflexible sleeve 55 at the non-connecting end of the quarter-turn sleeve 51 that connects to aprotective sleeve 59. Typically, theprotective sleeve 59 extends longitudinally along the length of theelectrical connector 12 to protect thewires 43, and theflexible sleeve 55 allows the ends of theelectrical connector 12 to be flexible so that thepins 41 can be correctly positioned with respect to a receiving portion of thedevice - The
spotlight lighting device 14C can also include aswitch guard 32, according to one embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, thedevices tail cap assembly 88. Thetail cap assembly 88 includes ahinge mechanism 90, wherein at least one cover is operably connected to thehinge mechanism 90, such that the at least one cover pivots about thehinge mechanism 90. According to one embodiment, aconnector 92 is attached or integrated onto acover 94, wherein theconnector 92 is the corresponding male portion to theelectrical connector 12. Theconnector 92 can include a flange that is positioned to slidably engage thegroove 53 of theelectrical connector 12 when theconnector 92 is being connected and disconnected from theelectrical connector 12, according to one embodiment. Theconnector 92 is electrically connected to thelighting sources cover 94 is in a fully closed positioned, such that when one of theexternal power sources lighting devices electrical connector 12 being connected to theconnector 92, theexternal power source lighting sources cover 94 is in an open position, theconnector 92 is not electrically connected to thelighting sources internal power source 16 can be inserted and removed from thelighting device - According to an alternate embodiment, the
tail cap assembly 88 includes asecond cover 96 that covers theconnector 92 when in a fully closed position. Typically, thesecond cover 96 is operably connected to thehinge mechanism 90, such that the second cover pivots about thehinge mechanism 90 along with thecover 94. When thesecond cover 96 is in the fully closed position, theelectrical connector 12 cannot be connected to theconnector 92, and when thesecond cover 96 is in an open position, theelectrical connector 12 can be connected to theconnector 92. Thus, theconnector 92 does not have to be exposed to the environment that thelighting device connector 92 is not connected to theelectrical connector 12. Further, thetail cap assembly 88 can include afastening mechanism 98 for securing thecover cover - In regards to
FIGS. 1-5 , 7-9, 12-15, and 17, thelighting devices housing 54, wherein at least onelight source light sources optic pack housing 54, wherein each of the plurality oflight sources optical lens 58A associated with thewhite flood LED 18A, a secondoptical lens white spot LED 18B, and a thirdoptical lens 58C associated with thered flood LED 18C. Typically, theoptical lens corresponding lighting source corresponding lighting sources optical lens - A lens generally indicated at 60A,60B,60C is substantially fixedly coupled to the
housing 54. Thus, theoptic pack optical lens lens light source LED circuit board 19 and inserted into thecorresponding optic pack optic pack 57A includingoptical lens lens 60A is associated with thehandheld lighting device 14A, theoptic pack 57B includingoptical lens lens 60B is associated with theheadlight lighting device 14B, and theoptic pack 57C includingoptical lens lens 60C is associated with thespotlight lighting device 14C. Thelens light source optical lens lens lens corresponding lighting source - According to one embodiment, a
first portion 62 of thelens white flood LED 18A andred flood LED 18C) and reflected by the correspondingoptical lens second portion 64 of thelens white spot LED 18B) and reflected by the correspondingoptical lens 58B′ is directed through the spot surface configuration to produce a spot pattern. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of the surface configurations are generally formed by chemically treating the portion of thelens lens white flood LED 18A andred flood LED 18C) to be dispersed at greater angles than the light emitted through a smooth or non-treated portion of thelens - According to one embodiment, the flood beam pattern illuminates a circular target size in diameter of approximately two meters (2 m) or greater at a target distance of approximately one hundred meters (100 m), and the spot beam pattern illuminates a circular target size in diameter of approximately less than one meter (1 m) at a target distance of two meters (2 m). Thus, the flood beam pattern generally illuminates a target size at a first target distance having a greater diameter than the spot beam pattern at a second target distance, such that the light emitted in the flood pattern is emitted at greater angles with respect to the light source (e.g., the
white flood LED 18A andred flood LED 18C) than light emitted in the spot pattern. According to one embodiment, the flood beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of twelve degrees (12°) or greater with respect to thelighting source 18A, and the spot beam pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle of less than twelve degrees (12°) with respect to thelighting source 18B. Additionally or alternatively, the white LEDlight sources light source 18C is a CREE-XR™ 7090 LED. According to one embodiment, thespot lighting source 18B, andcorresponding optic pack 57B, can have a half angle of less than or equal to approximately five degrees (5°) for the handheld andheadlight lighting devices spotlight lighting device 14C. - For purposes of explanation and not limitation, an exemplary illumination pattern that is emitted by a
lighting source FIG. 17 . The illumination pattern has a diameter D at a target, wherein the diameter D corresponds to an angle θ, with which the light is emitted with respect to an optical axis of thelighting source lighting source lighting source white flood LED 18A andred flood LED 18C have a greater size or diameter D at a target, and the light is emitted at a greater angle θ with respect to the optical axis of the lighting source than thewhite spot LED 18B. - With regards to
FIGS. 12A-12C , theoptic pack 57A of thehandheld lighting device 14A includes the first, second, and thirdoptical lens lens 60A. Thefirst portion 62 of thelens optical lens 58A and the thirdoptical lens 58C, and thesecond portion 64 of thelens optical lens 58B. Thus, thefirst portion 62 in conjunction with the firstoptical lens 58A and the thirdoptical lens 58C produce a flood pattern of light emitted by thewhite flood LED 18A and thered flood LED 18C, respectively. Further, thesecond portion 64 in conjunction with the secondoptical lens 58B emit a spot pattern of illuminated light emitted by thewhite spot LED 18B. - In reference to
FIGS. 13A-13C , theoptic pack 57B of theheadlight lighting device 14B is shown, wherein theoptic pack 57B includes the first, second, and thirdoptical lens lens 60B. According to one embodiment, thefirst portion 62 of thelens 60B substantially covers and is associated with the firstoptical lens 58A and the thirdoptical lens 58C, such that the correspondingwhite flood LED 18A andred flood LED 18C are directed through thefirst portion 62 to produce a flood pattern of illuminated light. Thesecond portion 64 of thelens optical lens 58B, such that light emitted from thewhite spot LED 18B is emitted through thesecond portion 64 to produce a spotlight pattern. - With respect to
FIGS. 14A-15D , theoptic pack 57C of thespotlight lighting device 14C includes the firstoptical lens 58A, a secondoptical lens 58B′, the thirdoptical lens 58C, and thelens 60C. Thefirst portion 62 of thelens 60C substantially covers and corresponds to the firstoptical lens 58A and the thirdoptical lens 58C, such that light emitted from thewhite flood LED 18A and thered flood LED 18C is emitted through thefirst portion 62 to produce a flood pattern. Thesecond portion 64 of thelens 60C substantially covers and corresponds to the secondoptical lens 58B′, such that light emitted by thewhite spot LED 18B is emitted through thesecond portion 64 to produce a spot pattern. Additionally, the secondoptical lens 58B′ that is included in theoptic pack 57C of thespotlight lighting device 14C can have afocal point 66 that is deeper with respect to a top 68 that defines anopening 70, wherein light is directed out of the secondoptical lens 58B′ that is deeper than at least one other focal point of the plurality of optical lenses in theoptic pack 57C. Additionally, the secondoptical lens 58B′ can be a multiple-part optical lens, according to one embodiment. Thus, the multiple parts of the secondoptical lens 58B′ can be attached to one another to form the secondoptical lens 58B′ in the final assembly. The multiple parts of the secondoptical lens 58B′ can be attached by suitable mechanical devices, pressure fitting, adhesives, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the secondoptical lens 58B′ has aseam 72 that extends circumferentially around the secondoptical lens 58B′ that separates the secondoptical lens 58B′ into two parts. According to an alternate embodiment, the secondoptical lens 58B′ has a seam that extends longitudinally along the secondoptical lens 58B′ to separate the secondoptical lens 58B′ into two parts. - According to one embodiment, the
optical lenses optical lenses optical lens corresponding LED optical lenses optical lenses lens housing 54 can define anindentation 73, as shown inFIGS. 7B , 7C, 8B, 8C, 9B, and 9C, wherein a portion of thelens indentation 73 to fixedly connect thelens housing 54, according to one embodiment. Additionally, the first andsecond potions lens light source optical lens lens indentation 73. Alternatively, thelenses - According to one embodiment, the
optic pack white spot LED 18B, according to one embodiment. - According to an alternate embodiment, the
optic pack - With regards to
FIGS. 1-4 and 7-9, thelighting devices lighting source housing 54 that encloses the at least onelighting source housing 54 is in thermal communication with at least one of thelighting sources lighting source housing 54. Thehousing 54 includes a body and a plurality of thermally conductiveheat sink fins 74. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of thermally conductiveheat sink fins 74 extend horizontally with respect to a normal operating position of the at least onelighting device FIGS. 7A , 8A, and 9A. According to an alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the thermally conductiveheat sink fins 74 extend vertically with respect to a normal operating position of the at least one lighting device. - According to one embodiment, the
housing 54 is made of a thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, thixo molded magnesium alloy, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the thermally conductive material ofhousing 54 can be covered with an emissivity coating, wherein the emissivity coating increases the heat dissipation capabilities of the thermally conductive material. According to one embodiment, the emissivity coating can be a material with a heat conductive rating of approximately 0.8, such that the emissivity coating provides a high emissivity and promotes adequate radiant heat transfer. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the emissivity coating can be, but is not limited to, a DUPONT® Raven powder material. Typically, the emissivity coating is applied to thehousing 54 and baked onto thehousing 54 after the molding process in order to provide a durable finish. - The thermally conductive
heat sink fins 74, whether extending horizontally (FIG. 7A ) in one embodiment, vertically (FIG. 7A′) in another embodiment, or a combination thereof, can include at least a first thermally conductiveheat sink fin 74A and a second thermally conductiveheat sink fin 74B that define an approximately five millimeter (5 mm) spacing 76 between the first and second thermally conductiveheat sink fins heat sink fins 74 can range from and include approximately 0.75 mm to one millimeter (1 mm), and the height of the thermally conductiveheat sink fins heat sink fin 74 with a greater amount of surface area, which generally dissipates heat with greater efficiency than a thermally conductive heat sink fin with less surface area under substantially the same operating conditions. - According to one embodiment, a thermal conductive gap filler is dispersed between the
housing 54 and theLED circuit board 19. The thermal conductive gap filler can generally be selected to have characteristics including, but not limited to, thermal conductivity, adhesive, electrical non-conductivity, the like, or a combination thereof. Thus, the thermal conductive gap filler can be used to conduct heat from theLED circuit board 19 to thehousing 54. According to one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive material is one watt per meter degree of Celsius (W/mC). One exemplary thermal conductive material that can be used as the gap filler is GAP PAD™ manufactured by Bergquist Company. The thermal conductive gap filling material can have an adhesive property, which further forms a connection between theLED circuit board 19 and thehousing 54. Typically, the thermal conductive gap filling material is a dielectric material. - At least one
temperature monitoring device 50 can be in thermal communication with at least one of theLED circuit board 19 and thehousing 54. In one exemplary embodiment, thetemperature monitoring device 50 is a thermistor that monitors the temperature of at least one component of thelighting device temperature monitoring device 50 can be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, or a thermocouple. According to one embodiment, thetemperature monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with at least one other component, such that thetemperature monitoring device 50 directly monitors the thermal radiation emitted by the component or a rate of change in the emitted thermal radiation over a period of time. Additionally, thetemperature monitoring device 50 communicates the monitored temperature to theprocessor 36. Theprocessor 36 has hardware circuitry or executes one or more software routine to determine a temperature of at least one other component of thelighting device processor 36 can then alter the electrical power supplied to the at least onelight source light source LED circuit board 19. By way of explanation and not limitation, the electrical power can be altered by altering the electrical current, the voltage potential of the electrical power, or a combination thereof. - According to one embodiment, wherein the rate of change of the emitted thermal radiation is monitored, the rate of change of emitted thermal radiation is monitored with respect to a commanded or selected light output function for the
lighting source housing 54, can be determined to a degree by measuring the rate of change of theLED circuit board 19 temperature during a period of time at a specific current output. Typically, the rate of change in the temperature of the component is a function of convection heat transfer (e.g., wind), conduction heat transfer (e.g., thelighting device - For purposes of explanation and not limitation, in operation, one of the
white flood LED 18A,white spot LED 18B, andred flood LED 18C, or a combination thereof, are illuminated and emit thermal radiation, which is transferred to theLED circuit board 19. According to one embodiment, thetemperature monitor device 50 is in thermal communication with theLED circuit board 19, such that thetemperature monitor device 50 determines the temperature of theLED circuit board 19. Thetemperature monitor device 50 communicates the monitored temperature data, which includes, for example, resistance, of theLED circuit board 19 or data toprocessor 36, wherein theprocessor 36 determines an approximate temperature of thehousing 54 based upon the monitored temperature of theLED circuit board 19. If the monitored temperature or the determined temperature are at or exceed a temperature value, then theprocessor 36 reduces the electrical power supplied to thewhite flood LED 18A,white spot LED 18B,red flood LED 18C, or a combination thereof, in order to reduce the amount of thermal radiation emitted by theLEDs - The temperature value or threshold value that is compared to one of the monitored temperature or the determined temperature can be a temperature value, according to embodiment. The electrical power supplied may be controlled by altering the electrical current supplied to the
lighting source LEDs LEDs LED circuit board 19 andhousing 54 is also reduced. Therefore, reducing the electrical power, which reduces the amount of light emitted by theLEDs lighting devices - According to an alternate embodiment, the
temperature monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with thehousing 54, such that thethermal monitoring device 50 monitors the temperature of thehousing 54. Thetemperature monitoring device 50 then communicates the monitored temperature of thehousing 54 or data to theprocessor 36, wherein theprocessor 36 processes the data and determines an approximate temperature of theLED circuit board 19 based upon the monitored temperature of thehousing 54. Theprocessor 36 can alter the electrical power supplied to theLEDs housing 54, the determined temperature of theLED circuit board 19, or a combination thereof, in order to reduce the amount of thermal radiation emitted by theLEDs - Additionally or alternatively, the
processor 36 can increase the electrical power supplied to theLEDs temperature monitoring device 50, the determined temperature determined by theprocessor 36, or a combination thereof, without regard to the component that thetemperature monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with. Typically, the electrical power can be altered by altering the electrical current, which can be controlled by using PWM control. Thus, the supplied electrical power to theLEDs LEDs lighting device - With respect to
FIGS. 1-4 , 7-9, and 16A, a method of controlling the electrical power supplied to thelighting source FIG. 16A atreference identifier 1040, according to one embodiment. Themethod 1040 starts atstep 1042, and proceeds to step 1044, wherein the temperature of a first component is monitored. According to one embodiment, the first component is theLED circuit board 19, which is monitored by thetemperature monitoring device 50. According to an alternate embodiment, the first component ishousing 54, wherein the temperature of thehousing 54 is monitored by thetemperature monitoring device 50. Atstep 1046, an approximate temperature of a second component is determined based upon the temperature monitored atstep 1044. According to one embodiment, the second component is either theLED circuit board 19 or thehousing 54, wherein thetemperature monitoring device 50 is not in direct thermal communication with the second component. - It is then determined at
decision step 1048 whether one of the monitored or determined temperature is above a first value. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, when thetemperature monitoring device 50 monitors the temperature of theLED circuit board 19, the first value is approximately sixty-six degrees Celsius (66° C.), such that theLED board 19 is operating at approximately sixty-six degrees Celsius (66° C.) and thehousing 54 is presumed to have an operating temperature of approximately fifty-five degrees Celsius (55° C.). If it is determined atdecision step 1048 that one of the monitored or determined temperature is above the first value, then themethod 1040 proceeds to step 1050, wherein the electrical current supplied to thelight source method 1040 then ends atstep 1052. - When it is determined at
decision step 1048 that one of the monitored or determined temperature is not above the first value, then themethod 1040 proceeds todecision step 1054. Atdecision step 1054, it is determined if one of the monitored or determined temperature is below a second value. If it is determined atdecision step 1054 that one of the monitored or determined temperature is below the second value, then themethod 1040 proceeds to step 1056, wherein the electrical current supplied to thelight source method 1040 then ends atstep 1052. - However, if it is determined at
decision step 1054 that one of the monitored or determined temperatures is not below the second value, then themethod 1040 proceeds to step 1058. Atstep 1058, the electrical current being supplied to thelight source method 1040 then ends atstep 1052. - With respect to
FIGS. 1-4 , 7-9, and 16B, a method of controlling the electrical power supplied to thelighting source FIG. 16B atreference identifier 1200, according to one embodiment. Themethod 1200 starts atstep 1202, and proceeds to step 1204, wherein a temperature of a first component is monitored over a period of time. Atstep 1206, a rate of change of the emitted thermal radiation or monitored temperature is determined. According to one embodiment, the rate of change can be determined based upon comparing the current temperature of the component to a previous temperature of the component. Thus, the temperature of the component is monitored over a period of time. Atstep 1208, the temperature of a second component is determined based upon the determined temperature rate of change of the first component. - At
decision step 1210, it is determined if one of the determined temperature rate of change or determined temperature of the second component is above a first value. If it is determined atdecision step 1210 that one of the determined temperature rate of change or determined temperature of the second component is above the first value, then themethod 1200 proceeds to step 1212. Atstep 1212, the electrical current supplied to the lighting source is decreased, and themethod 1200 then ends atstep 1214. - However, if it is determined at
decision step 1210 that one of the determined temperature rate of change or determined temperature of the second component is not above the first value, then themethod 1200 proceeds todecision step 1216. Atdecision step 1216, it is determined if one of the determined temperature rate of change or the determined temperature of the second component is below the second value. If it is determined atdecision step 1216 that one of the determined temperature rate of change or the determined temperature of the second component is below a second value, then themethod 1200 proceeds to step 1218. Atstep 1218, the electrical current supplied to thelighting source method 1200 then ends atstep 1214. - If it is determined at
decision step 1216 that one of the determined temperature rate of change or the determined temperature of the second component is not below the second value, then themethod 1200 proceeds to step 1220. Atstep 1220, the electrical current being supplied to thelighting source method 1200 then ends atstep 1214. - Therefore, the monitored temperature of a component of the
lighting device lighting device lighting devices - By way of explanation and not limitation, one exemplary use is to protect the
lighting sources lighting sources housing 54 at a desirable temperature. Thus, by monitoring the temperature of theLED circuit board 19, the approximate temperature of thehousing 54 can be determined so that the temperature of thehousing 54 can be maintained at a desirable level. A third exemplary use can be to determine an approximate temperature of theinternal power source 16, so that theinternal power source 16 is operated under desirable conditions, as set forth in greater detail below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other components, devices, or operating conditions of thelighting device - While the invention has been described in detail herein in accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and change therein may be affected by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is our intent to be limited only by the scope of the appending claims and not by way of the details and instrumentalities describing the embodiments shown herein.
Claims (20)
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US12/277,367 Active 2029-12-25 US8063607B2 (en) | 2008-01-25 | 2008-11-25 | Energy storage system and method of sequentially charging a first and second battery cell based on voltage potential |
US12/821,254 Abandoned US20100259220A1 (en) | 2008-01-25 | 2010-06-23 | Lighting System |
US13/009,091 Active US8324836B2 (en) | 2008-01-25 | 2011-01-19 | Lighting device having cross-fade and method thereof |
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US12/821,254 Abandoned US20100259220A1 (en) | 2008-01-25 | 2010-06-23 | Lighting System |
US13/009,091 Active US8324836B2 (en) | 2008-01-25 | 2011-01-19 | Lighting device having cross-fade and method thereof |
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Cited By (6)
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US20100134176A1 (en) * | 2008-11-30 | 2010-06-03 | Cree, Inc. | Electronic device including circuitry comprising open failure-susceptible components, and open failure-actuated anti-fuse pathway |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2009206773A1 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
EP2236010A1 (en) | 2010-10-06 |
US20110115397A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
US20100259220A1 (en) | 2010-10-14 |
US8324836B2 (en) | 2012-12-04 |
US8063607B2 (en) | 2011-11-22 |
WO2009094118A3 (en) | 2009-10-29 |
WO2009094121A1 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
US7888883B2 (en) | 2011-02-15 |
US20090189566A1 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
EP2236010A4 (en) | 2012-05-30 |
US20090189541A1 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
WO2009094118A2 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
WO2009094381A1 (en) | 2009-07-30 |
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Owner name: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC., MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ELECTRONIC COOLING SOLUTIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:021436/0096 Effective date: 20080821 Owner name: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC., MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CRAWFORD, JOHN D;REEL/FRAME:021436/0035 Effective date: 20080806 Owner name: ELECTRONIC COOLING SOLUTIONS, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WAGNER, GUY R;REEL/FRAME:021436/0068 Effective date: 20080813 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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