Dialight Corporation

Cml Innovative Technologies

Industrial Devices, Inc.

Norman Simms

Michael Cazzola

A temperature resistant waveguide is mounted to an SMT LED package to provide a complete module that can withstand temperatures found in a solder reflow process without deformation or damage. The waveguide is composed of a high temperature thermoplastic and is coupled to the LED using automated equipment with optical markings for precise positioning and construction. The SMT LED module is automatically located on a printed circuit board and exposed to temperatures for a solder reflow process. The high temperature thermoplastic does not deform during the solder reflow process, thereby providing a robust SMT LED module that can be automatically manufactured and placed on a printed circuit board, without additional steps or human intervention.

SMT LED indicator package

A long, thin illuminated line of light is provided for highlighting components in an automotive dashboard or interior such as a cup holder or gearshift console. A point light source such as a surface mounted LED or incandescent lamp is located at one end of a light guide. An arcuate rear reflecting surface of the light guide causes total internal reflection of the light from the point light source and produces a uniform light display at a front viewing surface. The line of light can fit into deep recesses of a plastic molded console with minimal spacing (e.g., of only about 0.10 inches) between walls. The line of light can also be used for aesthetic or functional displays such as for consumer electronic equipment and industrial controls.

Illuminated line of light using point light source

A multi-level lightpipe and housing are utilized a surface mount LEDs. The multi-level lightpipe is in the form of a single molded part which can collect light from multiple LEDs and redirect light to different locations. The lightpipe includes two or more separate passageways for separately redirecting and transmitting light from two or more separate light sources, such as two or more separate LEDs. The housing has an opening for receiving the multi-level lightpipe therein. The housing also includes an attachment mechanism for permitting the housing with the lightpipe positioned therein to be removably attached to a printed circuit board such that light from a first LED is directed and transmitted through one of the separate passageways, and light from a second LED is directed and transmitted through another of the separate passageways of the multi-level lightpipe.

Multi-level lightpipe design for SMD LEDs

A lightpipe or lightpipe array is utilized for redirecting light from a surface mounted LED. The lightpipe includes a first surface portion which is aligned with a surface mounted LED on a circuit board when the lightpipe is mounted on the circuit board, a first passageway comprising a plurality of first reflecting surfaces for redirecting light received at the first surface portion in a first direction, a second passageway extending from the first passageway comprising a plurality of second reflecting surfaces for redirecting the light received from the first passageway in a second direction which is different from the first direction, and a light radiating surface portion through which the light received from the second passageway exits so as to provide a visual indicator. Utilization of a plurality of lightpipes in a lightpipe array permits the array in the form of a single molded part to collect light from multiple LEDs and to redirect light to different locations without a perceptible mixture of light between adjacent LEDs.

Growing community of inventors

Barnegat, NJ, United States of America

Norman Simms