Semiconductor light engine using polymer light pipes and lighting systems constructed with the light engine
US7717597B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2115/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A light engine for use in systems such as automotive lighting systems employs two or more semiconductor light sources, such as LEDs. Light emitted from the light sources is captured by light pipes which are mounted such that the light capturing surface of the light pipes are properly positioned, with respect to the semiconductor light sources, substantially independent of changes in the dimensions of the light pipes which may result from thermal expansion or contraction of the light pipes. The light pipes transfer substantially all of the light captured from the semiconductor light sources to light emitting surfaces of the light pipes which can be appropriately located adjacent the output optics of the lighting system. The light engine can be easily assembled as the light pipes are retained in slots on a positioning member which is mounted at a known position with respect to the semiconductor light sources.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.