LED lighting devices with enhanced heat dissipation

• US 9,316,387 B1
• Filed: 04/30/2012
• Issued: 04/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Seescan, Inc.
• Original Assignee: John R. Sanderson, IV
• Inventors: Olsson, Mark S., Sanderson, John R. IV, Lakin, Brian P., Simmons, Jon E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Han, Jason Moon
• Application Number:
  US13/460,654
• Time in Patent Office: 1,450 Days
• Field of Search: 362/477, 362/96, 362/101, 362/267, 362/235, 362/231, 362/249.02, 362/294, 362/373
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/03 of surface-mounted type F21S8/02, F21S8/04 take precedence; details of wall or floor bases F21V21/02
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/70 characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/74 with fins or blades
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/83 the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/005 Sealing arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/00 Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/04 of lens shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/0091 using total internal reflection
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2107/20 for water vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/02 for fountains
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/10 Outdoor lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/101 of tunnels or the like, e.g. under bridges
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/109 of gardens
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/308 for aquaria
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/401 for swimming pools
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/13 comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

LED lights including a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a rear side and a front side are disclosed. At least one LED may be mounted to the front side of the MCPCB. A transparent window may be mounted and sealed to the front side of the MCPCB to enclose the LED. A portion of the MCPCB may extend from the transparent window so that it can be in heat exchange contact with water when the window of the lighting fixture is submerged in water or other fluids.

Claims

1. A light for underwater use, comprising:

a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a first side and a second side;

one or more light emitting diodes (LED) disposed on the first side of the MCPCB;

a window that is at least partially transparent disposed adjacent to the first side of the MCPCB and sealed with an elastomeric material to enclose the one or more LEDs; and

a flange surrounding the MCPCB and window, the flange having one or more holes formed therein for allowing a liquid in which the light is immersed to contact the MCPCB;

wherein a portion of the MCPCB extends outside the transparent window within a volume at least partially enclosed by the flange to exchange heat with the liquid.

2. The light of claim 1, further including a heat sink element, wherein the MCPCB is thermally coupled to the heat sink element to direct heat from the MCPCB to the liquid.

3. The light of claim 1, wherein the metal core of the MCPCB comprises one or more metals selected from the group of copper, aluminum, and anodized aluminum.

4. The light of claim 1, wherein the MCPCB has a liquid contact surface on the front side of the MCPCB.

5. The light of claim 1, wherein the at least partially transparent window and the flange form a disc-shaped planar window and a cylindrical periphery that is engaged by the MCPCB.

6. The light of claim 1, further comprising a total internal reflection (TIR) lens surrounding the one or more LEDs.

7. The light of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a silicone gel material.

8. The light of claim 7, wherein a portion of the silicone gel material is positioned to be in contact with the liquid during operation so as to dissipate contaminants.

9. The light of claim 1, further comprising a zeolite material to neutralize contaminants.

10. The light of claim 9, wherein the contaminants are contaminants contributing to browning of the LEDs.

11. The light of claim 9, wherein the contaminants are non-aqueous.

12. A lighting device for underwater use, comprising:

a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a first side and a second side;

one or more light emitting diodes (LED) disposed on the first side of the MCPCB;

a window that is at least partially transparent disposed adjacent to the first side of the MCPCB and sealed to enclose the one or more LEDs;

wherein a portion of the MCPCB extends outside the transparent window to exchange heat with a liquid in contact with the light; and

wherein the one or more LEDs include;

an LED for emitting light from the lighting device substantially in the visible portion of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum; and

an LED for emitting light from the lighting device substantially in the ultra violet (UV) portion of the EM spectrum.

13. A lighting device for underwater use, comprising:

a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a first side and a second side;

one or more light emitting diodes (LED) disposed on the first side of the MCPCB;

a window that is at least partially transparent disposed adjacent to the first side of the MCPCB and sealed to enclose the one or more LEDs;

wherein a portion of the MCPCB extends outside the transparent window to exchange heat with a liquid in contact with the light; and

wherein the light includes a phosphor coating to generate light substantially in the visible portion of the EM spectrum with a secondary peak in the UV portion of the EM spectrum to inhibit bio-fouling.

14. An LED underwater light, comprising:

a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a first side and a second side;

one or more light emitting diodes (LED) disposed on the first side of the MCPCB;

a window that is at least partially transparent disposed adjacent to the first side of the MCPCB and sealed to enclose the one or more LEDs; and

a heat sink element in thermal contact with the MCPCB;

wherein a portion of the heat sink element extends outside the transparent window to exchange heat with a liquid in which the LED is immersed.

15. An LED light, comprising:

a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) having a first side and a second side;

one or more light emitting diodes (LED) disposed on the first side of the MCPCB;

a silicone gel window disposed adjacent to the first side of the MCPCB to enclose the one or more LEDs; and

a flange surrounding the MCPCB and window, the flange having one or more holes formed therein for allowing a liquid in which the LED light is immersed to contact the MCPCB.

16. The LED light of claim 15, wherein a portion of the MCPCB extends outside the silicone gel window to exchange heat with the liquid in contact with the LED light.

17. The LED light of claim 15, further comprising an attachment mechanism coupled to the MCPCB to allow direct mounting of the MCPCB to a mounting surface.

20. The LED light of claim 15, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to attach the MCPCB to a pool or aquarium surface.

18. The LED light of 17, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to attach the MCPCB to a boat hull.

19. The LED light of 17, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to attach the MCPCB to a pier, piling, or dock.