U.S. patent application number 15/145599 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for led strobe light with integrated magnet and heat sink chimney.
This patent application is currently assigned to Checkers Industrial Products, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Checkers Industrial Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Steven N. D. Brundula, Scott Clifford.
Application Number | 20160245499 15/145599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51686672 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160245499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clifford; Scott ; et
al. |
August 25, 2016 |
LED STROBE LIGHT WITH INTEGRATED MAGNET AND HEAT SINK CHIMNEY
Abstract
A strobe light includes a base, a mounting post, a plurality of
light emitting diodes (LED) lights, a lens, and a channel. The
mounting post extends vertically from the base. The plurality of
LED lights are mounted around a periphery of the mounting post. The
lens is connected to the base and covers the mounting post and the
plurality of LED lights. The channel extends through the base,
mounting post and lens. Air flowing through the channel transfers
heat generated by the plurality of LED lights out of the strobe
light.
Inventors: |
Clifford; Scott; (Mesa,
AZ) ; Brundula; Steven N. D.; (Chandler, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Checkers Industrial Products, LLC |
Broomfield |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Checkers Industrial Products,
LLC
Broomfield
CO
|
Family ID: |
51686672 |
Appl. No.: |
15/145599 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13864121 |
Apr 16, 2013 |
9328908 |
|
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15145599 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 21/096 20130101;
F21V 31/005 20130101; Y10T 29/49895 20150115; F21V 17/002 20130101;
B60Q 1/2615 20130101; F21Y 2107/40 20160801; B60Q 1/2611 20130101;
F21Y 2101/00 20130101; F21V 29/83 20150115; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
F21V 29/74 20150115 |
International
Class: |
F21V 29/83 20060101
F21V029/83; F21V 31/00 20060101 F21V031/00; F21V 21/096 20060101
F21V021/096; B60Q 1/26 20060101 B60Q001/26; F21V 17/00 20060101
F21V017/00; F21V 29/74 20060101 F21V029/74 |
Claims
1. A strobe light, comprising: a base; a mounting post extending
vertically from the base; a plurality of light emitting diode (LED)
lights mounted around a periphery of the mounting post; a lens
connected to the base and covering the mounting post and the
plurality of LED lights; a channel extending through the base,
mounting post and lens; wherein air flowing through the channel
transfers heat generated by the plurality of LED lights out of the
strobe light.
2. The strobe light of claim 1, wherein the channel has a
liquid-tight interface with the base, mounting post and lens.
3. The strobe light of claim 1, further comprising a connector
configured to connect the mounting post to the lens, the channel
extending through the connector.
4. The strobe light of claim 1, wherein the connector extends
through the lens and is threadably connected to the mounting
post.
5. The strobe light of claim 1, wherein the lens includes a bottom
end and a top end, the bottom end being releasably connected to the
base, and the channel extending through the top end.
6. The strobe light of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
fins extending radially into the channel.
7. The strobe of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fins extend
along a length of the mounting post.
8. The strobe light of claim 1, wherein the base includes a
plurality of side openings to permit airflow into the channel along
a bottom side of the base.
9. The strobe light of claim 1, wherein when the strobe light is
oriented with the mounting post extending vertically upward from
the base, the channel is open along a top surface of the lens.
10. The strobe light of claim 1, wherein the base includes a
plurality of magnets embedded in the base.
11. A strobe light, comprising: a base having a first hole
extending vertically there through and at least one lateral hole; a
mounting post secured to the base and having a pass through bore,
the pass through bore being aligned with the first hole; a
plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lights positioned on the
mounting post; a lens releasably mounted to the base to enclose at
least the plurality of LED lights, the lens having a second hole
aligned with the pass through bore; wherein the at least one
lateral hole, the first and second holes, and the pass through bore
are arranged in flow communication with each other to provide a
path for heat to exit the strobe light.
12. The strobe light of claim 11, wherein the base has a circular
shape with top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral edge, the first
hole extending through the base from the top surface to the bottom
surface, and the at least one lateral hole being positioned at the
peripheral edge and in flow communication with the first hole along
the bottom surface.
13. The strobe light of claim 11, wherein the lens is connected to
the mounting post with a liquid-tight connection, and the mounting
post is connected to the base with a liquid-tight connection.
14. The strobe light of claim 11, further comprising a plurality
heat transfer fins extending into the pass through bore along a
length of the pass through bore.
15. The strobe light of claim 11, further comprising a connector
extending through the second hole and into contact with the
mounting post to connect the lens to the mounting post.
16. The strobe light of claim 15, wherein the connector includes an
opening providing a flow path from the pass through bore and out of
the lens.
17. The strobe light of claim 11, wherein the first hole includes a
plurality of threads configured to threadably mount the base to a
pipe mount.
18. A method of assembling a strobe light, comprising: providing a
base, a lens, a mounting post, and a plurality of light emitting
diode (LED) lights positioned on the mounting post, the base
including a first hole, the lens including a second hole, and the
mounting posting including a pass through bore; securing the
mounting post to the base; securing the lens to the base with the
mounting post and plurality of LED lights enclosed in the lens;
aligning the first and second holes and the pass through bore with
each other to create an airflow channel through the strobe
light.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the base includes at least one
lateral opening positioned at a periphery of the base, the at least
one lateral opening being arranged in flow communication with the
first hole to create a flow path for air from outside the strobe
light to the airflow channel.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising connecting the lens
to the mounting post with a connector, a portion of the connector
extending through the second hole and into releasable connection
with the mounting post.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising embedding a
plurality of magnets in the base.
22. A method of transferring heat from a strobe light, comprising:
providing a base, a lens mounted to the base, a mounting post
mounted to the base, and a plurality of light members positioned on
the mounting post, the lens enclosing the mounting post and
plurality of light members; providing an airflow channel through
the base, mounting post, and lens; transferring heat generated by
the plurality of light members through the mounting post into air
held in the airflow channel; moving the heated air through the
airflow channel and out of the strobe light.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the mounting post includes a
pass through opening forming part of the airflow channel, and a
plurality of heat transfer fins extending along a length of the
pass through opening to increase a rate of heat transfer.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a
liquid-tight seal between the airflow channel and the plurality of
light members.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the plurality of light members
may include light emitting diode (LED) lights.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/864,121 filed on 16 Apr. 2013, now pending, the disclosure of
which is incorporated, in its entirety, by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Strobe lights are well-known products. A number of
technologies are possible for use in strobe lights. Gas discharge
strobe lights find particular application for emergency vehicles,
radio towers, photography, and entertainment venues. Such
conventional strobe lights utilize incandescent or gas light
sources. Incandescent and gas source strobe lights have relatively
high energy consumption and short lifetimes, which result in higher
maintenance costs. Gas discharge strobe lights may be more
susceptible to breaking, may produce ozone due to high voltage
requirements, and may produce ultraviolet light that breaks down
many materials. Further, such strobe lights have complicated
electronics used to maintain the flashing operation.
[0003] Another type of strobe light uses high intensity discharge
(HID) lamps. Light is produced by high intensity discharge lamps
when an electric current arced between two closely spaced
electrodes in a sealed quartz-glass or ceramic capsule, known as a
discharge tube, arc tube, or burner, containing a vapor of metal
and gas. Free electrons in the arc collide with the metal atoms in
the vapor exciting electrons of the metal atoms to a higher energy
state. When the excited electrons return to their original, lower
energy level, electromagnetic radiation is emitted having a
wavelength determined by the energy level of the electrons and the
constituency of the vapor into the capsule. Compared to
filament-type halogen lamps, HID lighting typically produces light
more efficiently and with a color temperature more closely
approximating that of sunlight. Unlike an incandescent lamp, an HID
lamp does not immediately illuminate when power is supplied to the
lamp. While initiating operation of an HID lamp takes considerable
time, the time required to re-strike (restart) an extinguished lamp
is typically longer, and commonly twice as long as the cold startup
interval. For these and other reasons, strobe lights that use HID
lamps are less desirable in many applications.
[0004] It is common for strobe lights to generate large amounts of
heat due to the high levels of energy required generate the bright,
flashing light outputs. Heat can have detrimental effects on many
types of light generating devices. Since most strobe lights include
a cover or lens within which the light generating devices are
housed, the heat is trapped in proximity to the light generating
members, which further increases the operating temperatures of the
strobe light.
[0005] Opportunities exist for improving strobe light technologies
that address these and other issues.
SUMMARY
[0006] As will be described in greater detail below, one aspect of
the present disclosure relates to a strobe light having a base, a
mounting post, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lights, a
lens, and a channel. The mounting post extends vertically from the
base. The plurality of LED lights are mounted around a periphery of
the mounting post. The lens is connected to the base and covers the
mounting post and the plurality of LED lights. The channel extends
through the base, mounting post and lens. Air flowing through the
channel transfers heat generated by the plurality of LED lights out
of the strobe light.
[0007] The channel may include a liquid-tight interface with the
base, mounting post and lens. The strobe light may include a
connector configured to connect the mounting post to the lens, and
the channel may extend through the connector. The connector may
extend through the lens and be threadably connected to the mounting
post. The lens may include a bottom end and a top end, wherein the
bottom end is releasably connected to the base, and the channel
extends through the top end. The strobe light may include a
plurality of fins extending radially into the channel. The
plurality of fins may extend along a length of the mounting post.
The base may include a plurality of side openings to permit airflow
into the channel along a bottom side of the base. The strobe light
may be oriented with the mounting post extending vertically upward
from the base, and the channel may be open along a top surface of
the lens. The base may include a plurality of magnets embedded in
the base.
[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a strobe
light, which includes a base, a mounting post, a plurality of light
emitting diode (LED) lights, and a lens. The base includes a first
hole extending vertically there through and at least one lateral
hole. The mounting post is secured to the base and includes a pass
through bore aligned with the first hole. The plurality of LED
lights are positioned on the mounting post. The lens is releasably
mounted to the base to enclose at least the plurality of LED
lights. The lens includes a second hole aligned with the pass
through bore. The at least one lateral hole, the first and second
holes, and the pass through bore are arranged in flow communication
with each other to provide a path for heat to exit the strobe
light.
[0009] The base may have a circular shape with top and bottom
surfaces and a peripheral edge, wherein the first hole may extend
through the base from the top surface to the bottom surface, and
the at least one lateral hole may be positioned at the peripheral
edge and in flow communication with the first hole along the bottom
surface. The lens may be connected to the mounting post with a
liquid-tight connection, and the mounting post may be connected to
the base with a liquid-tight connection. The strobe light may
include a plurality heat transfer fins extending into the pass
through bore along a length of the pass through bore. The strobe
light may include a connector extending through the second hole and
into contact with the mounting post to connect the lens to the
mounting post. The connector may include an opening providing a
flow path from the pass through bore and out of the lens. The first
hole may include a plurality of threads configured to threadably
mount the base to a pipe mount.
[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method
of assembling a strobe light. The method includes providing a base,
a lens, a mounting post, and a plurality of light emitting diode
(LED) lights positioned on the mounting post, wherein the base
includes a first hole, the lens includes a second hole, and the
mounting posting includes a pass through bore. The method also
includes securing the mounting post to the base, securing the lens
to the base with the mounting post and plurality of LED lights
enclosed in the lens, and aligning the first and second holes and
the pass through bore with each other to create an airflow channel
through the strobe light.
[0011] The base may include at least one lateral opening positioned
at a periphery of the base and being arranged in flow communication
with the first hole to create a flow path for air from outside the
strobe light to the airflow channel. The method may include
connecting the lens to the mounting post with a connector, wherein
a portion of the connector may extend through the second hole and
into releasable connection with the mounting post. The method may
include embedding a plurality of magnets in the base.
[0012] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a
method of transferring heat from a strobe light. The method
includes providing a base, a lens mounted to the base, a mounting
post mounted to the base, and a plurality of light members
positioned on the mounting post, wherein the lens encloses the
mounting post and plurality of light members. The method also
includes providing an airflow channel through the base, mounting
post, and lens, transferring heat generated by the plurality of
light members through the mounting post into air held in the
airflow channel, and moving the heated air through the airflow
channel and out of the strobe light.
[0013] The mounting post may include a pass through opening forming
part of the airflow channel, and a plurality of heat transfer fins
extending along a length of the pass through opening to increase a
rate of heat transfer. The method may include providing a
liquid-tight seal between the airflow channel and the plurality of
light members. The plurality of light members may include a
plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lights.
[0014] Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be
used in combination with one another in accordance with the general
principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features
and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary
embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the
following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain
various principles of the instant disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example LED strobe
light in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the LED strobe light
of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the LED strobe
light of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the LED strobe light of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the LED strobe light of FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the LED strobe light of
FIG. 4 taken along cross-section indicators 6-6.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting post assembly and
control board of the LED strobe light shown in FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting post
assembly and control board shown in FIG. 7.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting post
assembly and control board of FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the LED strobe light
shown in FIG. 6 mounted to a support pipe.
[0026] Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and
descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical,
elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of
skill in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments
described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular
forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] As will be described in greater detail below, the present
disclosure relates generally to strobe lights, and more
particularly relates to strobe lights that include light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) as the source of light. The LED strobe light may be
programmed to create different light patterns. Some example light
patterns include a 360.degree. rotating light, a 360.degree. strobe
light, a solid light, and various flashing sequences.
[0028] The strobe light may include a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs
may be arranged circumferentially and face radially outward. Each
LED may be individually controlled with the control system of the
strobe light. Controlling the LEDs may include turning on and off
the LEDs and varying an intensity of light emitted from the LEDs.
Operating the LEDs generates heat. Some operations, such as
rotational slower modes, produce large amounts of heat. The heat is
typically trapped in the structure (e.g., mounting post) to which
the LEDs are mounted and the enclosure defined between the lens and
the base, which leads to higher operating temperatures for the
LEDs. High operating temperatures are typically the most common
reasons for failure and light loss in LEDs. The strobe light
designs disclosed herein facilitate heat transfer away from the
LEDs. Removing heat from the LEDs may permit the LED strobe light
to be operated at higher power levels without sacrificing LED
performance, useful life, and light output.
[0029] The heat transfer features of the example LED strobe lights
disclosed herein may include an air channel, which passes through
portions of the LED strobe light. The air channel may be referred
to as a chimney, a heat sink chimney, or a heat transfer chimney.
The air channel may extend through the base, control board (e.g.,
main printed circuit board), LED mounting post, and lens to permit
air to flow through the LED strobe light. Heat generated by the
LEDs may pass into the air channel to heat the air held in the air
channel. The heated air may move under natural convection forces
out of the LED strobe light. In one example, the base includes
inflow openings around its peripheral edge that permit an inflow of
air into the base. The inflow of air passes through a post opening
positioned centrally on the base, into a pass through bore
extending through the control board and mounting post, and out
through a hole formed in a top surface of the lens. Since the air
held in the air channel rises when heated, natural convention
forces may move the heated air out of the LED strobe light and draw
unheated air into the air channel.
[0030] The air channel may be sealed relative to the electrical
components of the LED strobe light. A connector used to connect the
lens directly to the mounting post may provide a liquid-tight
connection between an outer surface of the lens and the mounting
post. Further, the mounting post may have a liquid-tight connection
with the control board and base, and the lens may be connected to
the base with a liquid-tight connection. The electrical components
of the LED probe light, which are enclosed between the base and the
lens, may be sealed (e.g., waterproof) from the air channel. As
such, the air channel may be exposed to environmental conditions,
such as rain or snow, during use of the LED strobe light and the
electrical components are protected from exposure to those
environmental conditions.
[0031] The LED strobe light may include features that accelerate
heat transfer from the LEDs to the air held in the air channel. For
example, the mounting post may include a plurality of heat transfer
fins extending into the pass through bore. The pass through bore
may includes a plurality of grooves, protrusions or other surface
features formed on surfaces thereof (e.g., on surfaces of the heat
transfer fins). The heat transfer fins and surface features may
increase the surface area of the pass through bore, thereby
increasing the rate of heat transfer.
[0032] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use
of magnets in the base of the LED strobe light. The magnets may
assist in releasably mounting the LED strobe light to a support
structure such as a hood or cab of a vehicle. The magnets may be
embedded in the base. For example, the magnets may be embedded in
the polymeric (e.g., plastic) materials from which the base is
formed. The magnets may be positioned at spaced apart locations
along a bottom surface of the base. The magnets, when spaced as
close to the peripheral edge of the base as possible, may provide a
stronger pulling force because of the wider magnetic footprint of
the base. The embedding of the magnets may provide a non-scratch,
waterproof arrangement for the magnets on the base.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, an example LED strobe light 10
is shown and described. FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6 show the LED strobe
light 10 fully assembled. The LED strobe light is shown in FIG. 3
in a partially exploded view. Portions of the LED strobe light 10
are shown in FIGS. 7-9. The LED strobe light 10 is shown in FIG. 10
mounted to a support pipe to provide an alternative mounting for
and airflow path through the LED strobe light 10.
[0034] The LED strobe light 10 includes a base 12, a mounting post
assembly 14, a plurality of LED lights 16, a control board 18, a
lens 20, and a lens connector 22, as shown in FIG. 3. The control
board 18 is mounted to the mounting post assembly 14. The mounting
post assembly 14 is connected to the control board 18 and base 12.
The lens 20 is releasably connected to the base 12 along a bottom
end of the lens 20. The lens is also connected to the mounting post
assembly 14 at a top end of the lens 20 (see FIG. 6).
[0035] The lens 20 is connected to the mounting post assembly 14
with the lens connector 22. An air channel may extend through the
LED strobe light 10 from the top end of the lens 20 (e.g., at the
lens connector 22) to the bottom side of the base 12 (see FIG. 6).
The air channel may also extend laterally from a peripheral edge of
the base, along the bottom side of the base, and into a center
mount aperture formed in the base. In another arrangement, the air
channel extends through a mounting device, such as the pipe 26
shown in FIG. 10, rather than extending laterally to the lateral
openings along the peripheral edge of the base.
[0036] The base 12 includes top and bottom sides 30, 32, a
peripheral edge 34, a center mount aperture 36, a plurality of
lateral openings 38, a plurality of embedded magnets 40, a lens
seat 42, a plurality of lens fasteners 44, a plurality of fastener
openings 46, and a mounting seat 48, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. The
lateral openings 38 are formed along the peripheral edge 34 to
provide access to the bottom side 32 of the base 12. The lateral
openings 38 are in flow communication with the center mount
aperture 36. The center mount aperture 36 may be positioned
centrally on the base 12 and may extend along a central axis of the
base 12. The center mount aperture 36 may include a plurality of
threads. The threads of center mount aperture 36 may be configured
for mounting the LED strobe light 10 to a mounting device such as
the pipe 26 shown in FIG. 10.
[0037] The magnets 40 may be positioned at various spaced apart
positions along the bottom side 32 as shown in FIG. 5. The magnets
40 may have any desired shape and size. For example, the magnets 40
may have a cubical or cylindrical shape. The magnets 40 may be
positioned in pairs as shown in FIG. 5 at spaced apart locations
around the center mount aperture 36. The magnets 40 may be spaced
apart a distance D.sub.1, D.sub.2 from magnets on an opposite side
of the base, as shown in FIG. 5. The distances D.sub.1, D.sub.2 may
be maximized in order to maximize a pulling force and widen a
pulling force footprint for the base 12. The magnets 40 may be
embedded in material from which the base 12 is formed. For example,
the base 12 may comprise a polymeric material such as molded
plastic.
[0038] The magnets 40 may be co-molded into the polymeric materials
of base 12. In other arrangements, the base 12 may include a
plurality of recesses, grooves or chambers within which the magnets
40 are positioned and then secured in place using, for example, a
fastener, adhesives, or a press-fit connection. A cover or film may
be placed over the magnets 40 to protect the magnets 40 from
corrosion and also provide a low abrasive or no scratch interface
with the support structure to which the LED strobe light is mounted
(e.g., a hood or cab of a vehicle). The magnets 40 may be define at
least in part a lower most surface of the base 12 as shown in FIG.
6 so that the magnets 40 (or at least the material within which the
magnets 40 are embedded) contact the support surface.
[0039] The lens seat 42 of the base 12 is receptive of a bottom end
of the lens 20, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6. The lens fasteners 44
extend through the lens 20 and into the fastener openings 46, as
shown in FIG. 3. The lens fasteners 44 provide a releasable
connection of the lens 20 to the base 12. An interface between the
lens 20 and the base 12 may provide a liquid-tight connection. In
some examples, the LED strobe light 10 is maintained in a
vertically upright position, such as the orientation shown in FIG.
4. When in an upright position, any liquid applied to the lens 20
runs vertically downward and off of the base 12 and is unable to
pass through the interface between the lens 20 and the base 12 at
the lens seat 42. If the LED strobe light 10 were operated in a
horizontal or upside down orientation, additional sealing features
may be used between the lens 20 and base 12 to improve the
liquid-tight connection there between. A sealing device such as an
O-ring may be provided at an interface between the lens 20 and base
12 to improve the liquid-tight connection.
[0040] The mourning post assembly 14 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 7-9
including a mounting post 50 having top and bottom ends 52, 54, a
plurality of secondary printed circuit boards (PCBs) 56, PCB
fasteners 58, and a pass through bore 60. The mounting post
assembly 14 may also include a plurality of heat transfer fins 62
extending into the pass through bore 60, a connector seat 64
positioned at the top end 52, and a base mounting portion 66 at the
bottom end 54. The PCB fasteners 58 secure the secondary PCBs 56 to
the mounting post 50 at spaced apart locations around an outer
periphery of the mounting post 50. The heat transfer fins 62 may
extend along a length of the mounting post 50 and may be arranged
at circumferentially spaced apart locations within the pass through
bore 60.
[0041] The pass through bore 60 may include a plurality of
recesses, protrusions or other surface features along surfaces of
the pass through bore 60. The surface features may extend axially
along the length of the pass through bore 60. The surface features
may be formed on the heat transfer fins 62. The surface features
may increase the surface area within the pass through bore 60 to
promote increased heat transfer from the mounting post 50 to the
air moving through the pass through bore 60. Other heat transfer
features of different sizes, shapes, and orientations may be
positioned within pass through bore 60. The heat transfer fins 62
may be arranged at different orientations such as in a helical
orientation or may extend laterally across the width of the pass
through bore 60 at spaced apart locations along the length of pass
through bore 60.
[0042] During use, the LED lights 16, which are mounted to the
secondary PCBs 56 as shown in at least FIGS. 3 and 7-9, generate
heat that is directly passed through the secondary PCBs 56 and PCB
fasteners 58, and into the mounting post 50. The heat then passes
through the wall of the mounting post 50 and into the air
positioned in the pass through bore 60. The air circulating within
the lens 20 in the space surrounding the mounting post assembly 14,
which has also been heated by the LED lights 16, may further heat
the mounting post 50.
[0043] Generally, the mounting post assembly 14 may be designed to
enhance heat transfer directly from the LED lights 16 and from the
air captured within the lens 20, through the wall of the mounting
post 50 and into the air held in pass through bore 60. The air in
pass through bore 60 may then move out of the LED strobe light 10
as part of a heat transfer system that lowers the temperature
conditions within the LED strobe light 10, such as the temperature
of the LED lights 16 themselves. As discussed above, lower
temperatures within the LED strobe light 10 may have a number of
advantages related to operation of the LED light 16.
[0044] The connector seat 64 of the mounting post assembly 14 may
include a plurality of threads or other connecting features for
connection to the lens connector 22. The base mounting portion 66
may extend through the control board 18 and into the center mount
aperture 36 of the base 12, as shown in FIG. 6. The base mounting
portion 66 may have a liquid-tight connection with the control
board 18 and a liquid-tight connection with the base 12 at the
center mount aperture 36. The base mounting portion 66 may include
a sealing structure such as, for example, an O-ring, step feature,
or other sealing structure, which enhances the liquid-tight
interface between the mounting post assembly 14, the control board
18, and base 12.
[0045] The control board 18 may include a plurality of PCB mounting
apertures 90 and an opening 92. The secondary PCBs 56 of the
mounting post assembly 14 may include a plurality of PCB connectors
57, which extend through the PCB mounting apertures 90. The PCB
connectors 57 may provide an electrical connection between
circuitry of the mounting post assembly 14 and circuitry of the
control board 18.
[0046] The opening 92 may be sized to receive the base mounting
portion 66. When the mounting post assembly 14 is mounted to the
base 12, as shown in FIG. 6, the opening 92 and pass through bore
60 are aligned with the center mount aperture 36 of the base 12 to
permit flow communication from the base 12 to the mounting post
assembly 14 (e.g., vi an air channel 24 as shown in FIG. 6).
[0047] The lens 20 includes top and bottom ends 70, 72, a plurality
of fastener openings 74, an airflow opening 76, and an interior 78
(see FIGS. 3 and 6). The airflow opening 76 is formed in a surface
of the lens 20 along the top end 70. The bottom end 72 fits within
the lens seat 42 of the base 12. The lens fasteners 44 extend
through the fastener openings 74 and into the fastening openings 46
of the base 12 to provide a releasable connection of the lens 20 to
the base 12. The lens 20 encloses the mounting post assembly 14,
LED lights 16, and control board 18 within the interior 78 between
the lens 20 and base 12 (see FIG. 6).
[0048] During operation of the LED strobe light 10, heat generated
by the LED lights 16 is captured within the interior 78 of the lens
20. The heated interior 78 creates an increased temperature
environment for the LED lights 16. Some of the heat collected in
the interior 78 may increase the temperature of the lens 20, the
base 12, the mounting post assembly 14, and the control board 18.
The heat within base 12, mounting post assembly 14, and control
board 18 and lens 20 may at least partially transferred into the
air held within the air channel 24 and which passes out of the LED
strobe light 10. This transfer of heat away from the LED strobe
light 10 may lower the temperature within interior 78, which may
have advantages in operation of the LED lights 16 as described
above.
[0049] The lens connector 22 may include a flange 80, a protrusion
82, and an opening 84. The flange 80 may extend along an outer
surface of the lens 20 adjacent to the airflow opening 76. The
flange 80 and protrusion 82 may provide a liquid-tight seal between
the lens connector 22 and the lens 20 at the airflow opening 76.
The protrusion 82 may include, for example, threads or other
connection features to provide a releasable connection with the
mounting post assembly 14. The protrusion 82 may extend into and
connect with the connector seat 64 of the mounting post assembly
14, as shown in FIG. 6. For example, a threaded connection may be
formed between the protrusion 82 and the connector seat 64. The
lens connector 22 may also have a liquid-tight connection with the
mounting post assembly 14. The lens connector 22 may provide a
liquid-tight connection between an outer surface of the lens 20 and
the mounting post assembly 14. The opening 84 may be aligned with
the pass through bore 60 of the mounting post assembly 14 such that
the air channel 24 extends continuously from the bottom side 32 of
the base 12 to the top surface of the lens 20, as shown in FIG.
6.
[0050] FIG. 6 shows an airflow path A passing through the LED
strobe light 10 (e.g., through the air channel 24). The airflow
path A begins at the lateral openings 38 along the peripheral edge
34 of the base 12. The airflow path A moves along the bottom side
32 of the base 12 and into the center mount aperture 36. Airflow
path A continues along the air channel 24, which includes the
opening 92 in the control board 18, the pass through bore 60, and
the opening 84 in lens connector 22, and out through the airflow
opening 76 of lens 20. The entire airflow path A is arranged with a
liquid-tight seal relative to the electronics of the LED strobe
light 10, which are positioned within the interior 78 when the LED
strobe light 10 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 6. The electronics
of the LED strobe light 10 may be associated with the secondary
PCBs 56, the LED lights 16, and the control board 18.
[0051] Air in the airflow path A typically moves in the direction
of the arrows shown in FIG. 6 under natural convection forces. As
the air held within the air channel 24 becomes heated upon transfer
of heat through the wall of the mounting post 50, the heated air
naturally rises vertically out through the opening 84 in lens
connector 22. This movement of heated air in a vertical direction
creates a low pressure environment that draws air through the
lateral openings 38 and the center mount aperture 36 and into the
air channel 24. During operation of the LED strobe light 10, air
continually flows along the airflow path A to reduce the
temperature of the mounting post 50 and thereby lower the
temperature in the area of the LED lights 16. As discussed above,
lowering the temperature of the LED lights 16 and the area around
the LED lights 16 may enable brighter modes of operation, including
the rotational slower modes that produce large amounts of heat.
Furthermore, lowering the temperature in LED lights 16 and the area
around the LED lights 16 may increase an operating life of the LED
light 16, permit improved light output of the LED light 16, and/or
permit operation of the LEDs at higher power levels without
sacrificing the LED performance as compared to other LED strobe
lights in which no airflow or heat transfer features are
included.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows an alternative arrangement for the airflow
path A. FIG. 10 shows the LED strobe light 10 mounted to a pipe 26,
which is a common mounting arrangement for elevating the LED strobe
light 10. The airflow path A begins at a bottom end of the pipe 26,
extends along the length of the pipe 26, and passes into the air
channel 24 via the center mount aperture 36.
[0053] Other mounted arrangements for the LED strobe light 10 may
take advantage of other airflow paths separate from those shown in
FIGS. 1-10 or in combination with the arrangement shown in FIGS.
1-10. For example, a single lateral opening 38 may be formed in the
base 12 along the peripheral edge 34. In other arrangements, a
plurality of center mount apertures 36 may be formed in the base 12
and arranged in flow communication with the pass through bore 60 of
the mounting post assembly 14. The LED strobe light may include a
plurality of air channels extending therethrough via, for example,
a plurality of mounting post assemblies 14, or other channels, pass
through bores, airflow paths, etc., which may extend through the
individual parts of the LED strobe light (e.g., the base, mounting
post assembly, and lens) or through multiple features of the LED
strobe light.
[0054] Various methods may be associated with the LED strobe lights
disclosed herein. One example method includes a method of
assembling an LED strobe light. An example method of assembling an
LED strobe light may include, for example, providing a lens, a
base, a mounting post assembly, LED lights, and a control board.
The method may also include forming a first hole in the base, a
second hole in the lens, a third hole in the control board, and a
pass through bore extending through the mounting post assembly. The
method may include securing the control board and mounting post
assembly to the base, securing the lens to the base and to the
mounting post, mounting a plurality of LEDs to the mounting post
assembly, and aligning the first, second and third holes with the
pass through bore to create an airflow channel through the LED
strobe light.
[0055] Another example relates to a method of transferring heat
from a strobe light. The method may include providing a base, a
lens mounted to the base, a mounting post assembly mounted to the
base, and a plurality of LED lights positioned on the mounting
post. The lens may enclose the mounting post and plurality of LED
lights when the lens is mounted to the base. A control board may be
interposed between the mounting post assembly and the base. The
method may include providing an airflow channel through the base,
mounting post, lens and control board. The method may further
include transferring heat generated by the plurality of LED lights
through a wall of the mounting post and into air held in the
airflow channel. The heated air is moved through the airflow
channel and out of the strobe light.
[0056] The mounting post may include a pass through opening forming
part of the airflow channel. A plurality of heat transfer fins may
extend along the length of the pass through opening to increase a
rate of heat transfer from the mounting post to the air in the
airflow channel. The method may also include providing a
liquid-tight seal between the airflow channel and the plurality of
LED lights and other electronics of the LED strobe light. The
method may include providing a natural convection flow of heated
air through the LED strobe light along the length of the airflow
channel.
[0057] A further method relates to releasably mounting an LED
strobe light to a support structure using a magnetic force. The LED
strobe light may include a plurality of magnets positioned along a
bottom side thereof. The magnets may be encapsulated or embedded
within material from which the base is formed. For example, the
magnets may be embedded within polymeric material from which the
base is formed. The magnets may be spaced apart a maximum distance
from each other and may be positioned as close to an outer
periphery of the base as possible to maximize a pull force applied
by the magnets to the support structure.
[0058] While the heat transfer features disclosed herein have been
described with reference to an LED strobe light, an example of
which is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/796,867,
filed on 12 Mar. 2013, and entitled "LED Strobe Light," which
application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this
reference, the heat transfer features may be used with other types
of light fixtures such as, for example, strobe lights that utilize
different light sources in place of LEDs.
[0059] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the present systems and methods and
their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in
the art to best utilize the present systems and methods and various
embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the
particular use contemplated.
[0060] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "a" or "an," as used in
the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning "at
least one of." In addition, for ease of use, the words "including"
and "having," as used in the specification and claims, are
interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word
"comprising."
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