LED LIGHT SOURCE
Example embodiments of the present invention provide a LED light source with an effective and efficient heat management system. For example, embodiments of the present invention include devices, systems, materials, and methods to effectively transfer heat away from LEDs used in an LED light source to produce an LED light source that has high lumen output compared to conventional LED light sources. In particular, example embodiments of the present invention provide an LED light source that includes a transparent or translucent heat conductive material in which the LEDs are embedded.
1 . A light source, comprising:
a socket connection capable of connecting to a source of electricity;
one or more LEDs electrically coupled to the socket connection;
a heat conductive material into which the LEDs are embedded, the heat conductive material being substantially translucent or transparent such that light emitted from the LEDs is able to pass through the heat conductive material.
2 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is shaped and dimensioned to a standard light source size such that the light source as a whole inherits a standard lighting form factor.
3 . The light source recited in claim 1 , further comprising an enclosure that surrounds the heat conductive material.
4 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is a silicone-based material.
5 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is a transparent or translucent ceramic.
6 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is an organic wax.
7 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is a solid.
8 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is a thermoplastic.
9 . A light source, comprising:
a socket connection capable of connecting to a source of electricity;
an LED element comprising one or more LEDs, wherein the one or more LEDs receives electricity by way of the socket connection;
a heat conductive material into which the LED element is embedded, wherein the heat conductive material is shaped and dimensioned such that the light source meets a standardized form factor.
10 . The light source recited in claim 7 , wherein the heat conductive material is transparent or translucent to allow light emitted from the one or more LEDs to pass through the heat conductive material.
11 . The light source recited in claim 7 , wherein the heat conductive material is a silicone-based material.
12 . The light source recited in claim 7 , wherein the heat conductive material is a transparent or translucent ceramic.
13 . The light source recited in claim 7 , wherein the heat conductive material is an organic wax.
14 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is a solid.
15 . The light source recited in claim 1 , wherein the heat conductive material is a thermoplastic.
16 . A method of making a light source, comprising:
obtaining a structure that includes one or more LEDs;
embedding the one or more LEDs into a heat conductive material;
shaping the heat conductive material into desired dimensions and shape to produce a light source.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein shaping the heat conductive material comprises performing an injection molding process with the heat conductive material around the one or more LEDs.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the obtaining a structure that includes one or more LEDs comprises:
obtaining a connection socket; and
electrically connecting the one or more LEDs to the connection socket.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the shaping the heat conductive material into desired dimensions further comprises:
choosing a standard light source form factor; and
forming the heat conductive material into a standard light source form factor.