Light emitting diode signaling device and method of providing an indication using the same

• US 7,553,044 B2
• Filed: 05/25/2006
• Issued: 06/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ansaldo STS SPA
• Original Assignee: Ansaldo STS SPA
• Inventors: Wedell, Mark T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Alavi; Ali
• Assistant Examiner(s): DZIERZYNSKI, EVAN P
• Application Number:
  US11/440,593
• Publication Number:
  US 20070274070A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,132 Days
• Field of Search: 362/247, 362/244, 362/276
• US Class Current: 362/247
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/69 Details of refractors forming part of the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/045 the lens having discontinuous faces, e.g. Fresnel lenses
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

An improved LED signaling device employing a number of LEDs arranged in a specific pattern. At least some of the LEDs are received in a corresponding reflective cavity with an associated output angle. The LED signaling device also employs first and second lenses. The first lens collects the light emitted by the LEDs and disperses the light such that the second lens is flooded. The second lens collects the light dispersed by the first lens and collimates the light. The type of LEDs used, their specific pattern, the specific output angles of their corresponding reflective cavities, and the combination of the first and second lenses insure that the LED signaling device meets or exceeds the minimum luminous output intensity requirements and uniformity requirements.

Claims

1. An LED signaling device, comprising:

a back plate;

a circuit board coupled to said back plate, said circuit board having a first surface with a number of LEDs arranged in a pattern thereon;

a reflector coupled to at least one of said back plate and said circuit board, said reflector having a number of reflective cavities each with an associated output angle, wherein at least some of said reflective cavities are arranged in said pattern and are structured to receive at least one of said LEDs therein;

a first lens coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, and said reflector, said first lens structured to disperse light rays emitted by at least some of said LEDs, said first lens being located a first distance from said first surface; and

a second lens, coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, said reflector, and said first lens, said second lens structured to receive said light rays dispersed by said first lens and to collimate said light rays dispersed by said first lens, said second lens being located a second distance from said first surface;

wherein said pattern is arranged according to an x, y, z, coordinate system relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device and wherein said pattern includes;

a first LED having an x-coordinate of about 16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said first LED being received within a first one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 12 degrees;

a second LED having an x-coordinate of about −

16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said second LED being received within a second one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 12 degrees;

a third LED having an x-coordinate of about 42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said third LED being received within a third one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 15.5 degrees;

a fourth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fourth LED being received within a fourth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 15.5 degrees;

a fifth LED having an x-coordinate of about 25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fifth LED being received within a fifth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 30 degrees;

a sixth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said sixth LED being received within a sixth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 30 degrees;

a seventh LED having an x-coordinate of about 30 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said seventh LED being received within a seventh one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 50 degrees; and

an eighth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

30 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said eighth LED being received within an eighth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 50 degrees.

2. The LED signaling device of claim 1 wherein said first lens is a fresnel lens structured to disperse light rays emitted by at least some of said LEDs onto said second lens, and wherein said second lens is a fresnel lens structured to collimate said light rays dispersed by said first fresnel lens.

3. The LED signaling device of claim 1 wherein said first distance is about 28.5 mm, and wherein said second distance is about 60 mm.

4. The LED signaling device of claim 3 wherein said first lens is a fresnel lens having a radius of curvature of about 300 mm, a conic constant of about −

20, a thickness of about 1.5 mm, a fresnel thickness of about 0.5 mm, a pitch of about 1 degree, and a diameter of about 120 mm and wherein said second lens is a fresnel lens having a radius of curvature of about 150 mm, a conic constant of about −

12, a thickness of about 1.5 mm, a fresnel thickness of about 0.5 mm, a pitch of about 1 degree, and a diameter of about 150 mm.

5. The LED signaling device of claim 3 wherein said first lens is a fresnel lens having a radius of curvature of about 400 mm, a conic constant of about −

16, a thickness of about 1.5 mm, a fresnel thickness of about 0.5 mm, a pitch of about 1 degree, and a diameter of about 120 mm and wherein said second lens is a fresnel lens having a radius of curvature of about 100 mm, a conic constant of about −

12, a thickness of about 1.5 mm, a fresnel thickness of about 0.5 mm, a pitch of about 1 degree, and a diameter of about 200 mm.

6. The LED signaling device of claim 3 wherein said first lens is a fresnel lens having a radius of curvature of about 1000 mm, a conic constant of about −

20, a thickness of about 1.5 mm, a fresnel thickness of about 0.5 mm, a pitch of about 1 degree, and a diameter of about 200 mm and wherein said second lens is a fresnel lens having a radius of curvature of about 100 mm, a conic constant of about −

12, a thickness of about 1.5 mm, a fresnel thickness of about 0.5 mm, a pitch of about 1 degree, and a diameter of about 300 mm.

7. The LED signaling device of claim 1 wherein said circuit board further comprises at least one electrical terminal structured to receive an electrical signal for powering at least some of said LEDs.

8. The LED signaling device of claim 1 wherein each of said LEDs emits approximately 55 lumens at approximately 350 mA.

9. The LED signaling device of claim 1 wherein said back plate includes a heat sink structured to dissipate heat generated by said LEDs.

10. The LED signaling device of claim 1 wherein said second lens forms at least a portion of a cover structured to couple with said back plate to form a housing enclosing said circuit board, said reflector, and said first lens.

11. The LED signaling device of claim 10 wherein said cover is structured to form a snap-fit with said back plate.

12. An LED signaling device, comprising:

a back plate;

a circuit board coupled to said back plate, said circuit board having a first surface with a number of LEDs arranged in a pattern thereon;

a reflector coupled to at least one of said back plate and said circuit board, said reflector having a number of reflective cavities each with an associated output angle, wherein at least some of said reflective cavities are arranged in said pattern and are structured to receive at least one of said LEDs therein;

a first lens coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, and said reflector, said first lens structured to disperse light rays emitted by at least some of said LEDs, said first lens being located a first distance from said first surface; and

a second lens, coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, said reflector, and said first lens, said second lens structured to receive said light rays dispersed by said first lens and to collimate said light rays dispersed by said first lens, said second lens being located a second distance from said first surface;

wherein said pattern is arranged according to an x, y, z coordinate system relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device and wherein said pattern includes;

a first LED having an x-coordinate of about 18 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said first LED being received within a first one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about −

10 degrees;

a second LED having an x-coordinate of about −

18 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said second LED being received within a second one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about −

10 degrees;

a third LED having an x-coordinate of about 46 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said third LED being received within a third one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about −

5 degrees;

a fourth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

46 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fourth LED being received within a fourth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about −

5 degrees;

a fifth LED having an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 24 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fifth LED being received within a fifth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about −

10 degrees;

a sixth LED having an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 38 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm;

a seventh LED having an x-coordinate of about −

15 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

15 mm, a z-coordinate of about 0 mm; and

an eighth LED having an x-coordinate of about 15 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

15 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm.

13. An LED signaling device, comprising:

a back plate;

a circuit board coupled to said back plate, said circuit board having a first surface with a number of LEDs arranged in a pattern thereon;

a reflector coupled to at least one of said back plate and said circuit board, said reflector having a number of reflective cavities each with an associated output angle, wherein at least some of said reflective cavities are arranged in said pattern and are structured to receive at least one of said LEDs therein;

a first lens coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, and said reflector, said first lens structured to disperse light rays emitted by at least some of said LEDs, said first lens being located a first distance from said first surface; and

a second lens, coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, said reflector, and said first lens, said second lens structured to receive said light rays dispersed by said first lens and to collimate said light rays dispersed by said first lens, said second lens being located a second distance from said first surface;

wherein said pattern is arranged according to an x, y, z, coordinate system relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device and wherein said pattern includes;

a first LED having an x-coordinate of about 16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said first LED being received within a first one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 12 degrees;

a second LED having an x-coordinate of about −

16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said second LED being received within a second one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 12 degrees;

a third LED having an x-coordinate of about 42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said third LED being received within a third one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 25 degrees;

a fourth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fourth LED being received within a fourth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 25 degrees;

a fifth LED having an x-coordinate of about 25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fifth LED being received within a fifth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 30 degrees;

a sixth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said sixth LED being received within a sixth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 30 degrees;

a seventh LED having an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said seventh LED being received within a seventh one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 50 degrees; and

an eighth LED having an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said eighth LED being received within an eighth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 21 degrees.

14. An LED signaling device, comprising:

a back plate;

a circuit board coupled to said back plate, said circuit board having a first surface with a number of LEDs arranged in a pattern thereon;

a reflector coupled to at least one of said back plate and said circuit board, said reflector having a number of reflective cavities each with an associated output angle, wherein at least some of said reflective cavities are arranged in said pattern and are structured to receive at least one of said LEDs therein;

a first lens coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, and said reflector, said first lens structured to disperse light rays emitted by at least some of said LEDs, said first lens being located a first distance from said first surface; and

a second lens, coupled to at least one of said back plate, said circuit board, said reflector, and said first lens, said second lens structured to receive said light rays dispersed by said first lens and to collimate said light rays dispersed by said first lens, said second lens being located a second distance from said first surface;

wherein said pattern is arranged according to an x, y, z, coordinate system relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device and wherein said pattern includes;

a first LED having an x-coordinate of about 16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said first LED being received within a first one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 12 degrees;

a second LED having an x-coordinate of about −

16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said second LED being received within a second one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 12 degrees;

a third LED having an x-coordinate of about 42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said third LED being received within a third one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 25 degrees;

a fourth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fourth LED being received within a fourth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 25 degrees;

a fifth LED having an x-coordinate of about 25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said fifth LED being received within a fifth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 30 degrees;

a sixth LED having an x-coordinate of about −

25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said sixth LED being received within a sixth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 30 degrees;

a seventh LED having an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

45 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said seventh LED being received within a seventh one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 50 degrees; and

an eighth LED having an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, said eighth LED being received within an eighth one of said reflective cavities with an associated output angle of about 21 degrees.

15. A method for providing an indication with an LED signaling device, comprising:

activating a number of LEDs to produce a plurality of light rays, wherein said LEDs are arranged in a pattern, and wherein each of at least some of said LEDs are associated with a respective one of a plurality of reflective cavities each having an associated output angle;

dispersing said light rays with a first lens;

collimating said light rays dispersed by said first lens with a second lens spaced from said first lens; and

arranging said LEDs in said pattern, relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device according to an x, y, z coordinate system, by locating a first LED at an x-coordinate of about 16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a second LED at an x-coordinate of about −

16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a third LED at an x-coordinate of about 42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fourth LED at an x-coordinate of about −

42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fifth LED at an x-coordinate of about 25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a sixth LED at an x-coordinate of about −

25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a seventh LED at an x-coordinate of about 30 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, and an eighth LED at an x-coordinate of about −

30 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

associating said first LED with a first reflective cavity having an output angle of about 12 degrees, said second LED with a second reflective cavity having an output angle of about 12 degrees, said third LED with a third reflective cavity having an output angle of about 15.5 degrees, said fourth LED with a fourth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 15.5 degrees, said fifth LED with a fifth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 30 degrees, said sixth LED with a sixth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 30 degrees, said seventh LED with a seventh reflective cavity having an output angle of about 50 degrees, and said eighth LED with an eighth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 50 degrees.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said dispersing further comprises dispersing said light rays with a first fresnel lens.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said collimating further comprises collimating said light rays dispersed by said first fresnel lens with a second fresnel lens.

19. A method for providing an indication with an LED signaling device, comprising:

activating a number of LEDs to produce a plurality of light rays, wherein said LEDs are arranged in a pattern, and wherein each of at least some of said LEDs are associated with a respective one of a plurality of reflective cavities each having an associated output angle;

dispersing said light rays with a first lens;

collimating said light rays dispersed by said first lens with a second lens spaced from said first lens; and

arranging said LEDs in said pattern, relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device according to an x, y, z coordinate system, by locating a first LED at an x-coordinate of about 18 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a second LED at an x-coordinate of about −

18 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a third LED at an x-coordinate of about 46 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fourth LED at an x-coordinate of about −

46 mm, a y-coordinate of about 10 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fifth LED at an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 24 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a sixth LED at an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 38 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm;

a seventh LED at an x-coordinate of about −

30 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

30 mm, a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, and an eighth LED at an x-coordinate of about 30 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

associating said first LED with a reflective cavity having an output angle of about −

10 degrees, said second LED with a reflective cavity having an output angle of about −

10 degrees;

said third LED with a reflective cavity having an output angle of about −

5 degrees;

said fourth LED with a reflective cavity having an output angle of about −

5 degrees, and said fifth LED with a reflective cavity having an output angle of about −

10 degrees.

21. A method for providing an indication with an LED signaling device, comprising:

activating a number of LEDs to produce a plurality of light rays, wherein said LEDs are arranged in a pattern, and wherein each of at least some of said LEDs are associated with a respective one of a plurality of reflective cavities each having an associated output angle;

dispersing said light rays with a first lens;

collimating said light rays dispersed by said first lens with a second lens spaced from said first lens; and

arranging said LEDs in said pattern, relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device according to an x, y, z coordinate system, by locating a first LED at an x-coordinate of about 16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a second LED at an x-coordinate of about −

16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a third LED at an x-coordinate of about 42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fourth LED at an x-coordinate of about −

42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fifth LED at an x-coordinate of about 25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a sixth LED at an x-coordinate of about -25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a seventh LED at an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about -30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, and an eighth LED at an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising:

associating said first LED with a first reflective cavity having an output angle of about 12 degrees, said second LED with a second reflective cavity having an output angle of about 12 degrees, said third LED with a third reflective cavity having an output angle of about 25 degrees, said fourth LED with a fourth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 25 degrees, said fifth LED with a fifth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 30 degrees, said sixth LED with a sixth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 30 degrees, said seventh LED with a seventh reflective cavity having an output angle of about 50 degrees, and said eighth LED with an eighth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 21 degrees.

23. A method for providing an indication with an LED signaling device, comprising:

activating a number of LEDs to produce a plurality of light rays, wherein said LEDs are arranged in a pattern, and wherein each of at least some of said LEDs are associated with a respective one of a plurality of reflective cavities each having an associated output angle;

dispersing said light rays with a first lens;

collimating said light rays dispersed by said first lens with a second lens spaced from said first lens; and

arranging said LEDs in said pattern, relative to a central axis of said LED signaling device according to an x, y, z coordinate system, by locating a first LED at an x-coordinate of about 16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a second LED at an x-coordinate of about −

16 mm, a y-coordinate of about 8 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a third LED at an x-coordinate of about 42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fourth LED at an x-coordinate of about −

42 mm, a y-coordinate of about 7 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a fifth LED at an x-coordinate of about 25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a sixth LED at an x-coordinate of about −

25 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, a seventh LED at an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about −

45 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm, and an eighth LED at an x-coordinate of about 0 mm, a y-coordinate of about 30 mm, and a z-coordinate of about 0 mm.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising:

associating said first LED with a first reflective cavity having an output angle of about 12 degrees, said second LED with a second reflective cavity having an output angle of about 12 degrees, said third LED with a third reflective cavity having an output angle of about 25 degrees, said fourth LED with a fourth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 25 degrees, said fifth LED with a fifth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 30 degrees, said sixth LED with a sixth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 30 degrees, said seventh LED with a seventh reflective cavity having an output angle of about 50 degrees, and said eighth LED with an eighth reflective cavity having an output angle of about 21 degrees.