Bayonet Coupling Connector for Direct Thermal Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable connector that enables efficient heat dissipation between a component, such as an LED module, and a heat sink, while allowing for easy replacement and adaptation to various thermal conditions, as existing solutions often require over-dimensioned heat sinks and lack intuitive replacement mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A bayonet coupling connector with a thermally non-conductive material that provides a firm and direct thermal contact between the component and the heat sink, allowing for easy connection and disconnection, and can be fixedly attached to either the component or the heat sink, facilitating single-hand operation and adaptable thermal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connector is designed to provide firm thermal contact between component and heat sink, then thermal transfer efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the connector structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal transfer efficiencyVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a bayonet coupling mechanism for mechanical connection and positioning, and a separate thermal contact interface for heat transfer. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the bayonet coupling provides reliable mechanical attachment while the thermal interface ensures efficient heat transfer, reducing overall design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector employs a nested structure where the thermal contact interface is integrated within the bayonet coupling housing. The female part of the bayonet coupling encloses an opening that receives the component, with the thermal contact surface positioned inside this enclosed space. This nesting allows the thermal transfer function to be incorporated without adding external complexity to the connector structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a bayonet coupling connector is used to enable easy replacement of components, then ease of operation is improved, but the thermal contact reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacement easeVSAvoidthermal contact reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-configured with a precisely positioned thermal contact surface and opening alignment before the component is inserted. The female bayonet coupling is formed with an opening that is pre-aligned to receive the component in the correct orientation, ensuring that when the component is inserted, thermal contact is automatically established without requiring additional adjustment or alignment steps during installation or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simplified bayonet coupling system that inherently provides both mechanical attachment and thermal contact. The twist-and-lock action of the bayonet coupling simultaneously secures the component mechanically and ensures thermal contact through the pre-positioned interface, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the connector encloses the opening to provide firm connection, then thermal transfer is improved, but the ease of inserting and removing the component deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection firmnessVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bayonet coupling employs a dynamic insertion and locking mechanism. During insertion, the opening is accessible and allows the component to be easily inserted in a straight motion. Once inserted, the bayonet coupling is rotated to engage locking features that provide firm mechanical connection and maintain thermal contact. The dynamic transition from open insertion state to locked connection state enables both easy installation and secure thermal contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The connector ensures efficient thermal transfer without the need for thermal paste, allows for easy replacement of components, and adapts to different thermal demands by enabling the connection of additional heat sinks, promoting flexible and cost-effective thermal management in various lighting applications.

Implementation Method 1

the connector in use is arranged to ensure direct thermal contact between the component and the heat sink in the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2443387B1A connector for connecting a heat sink to a lighting module or another heat sink

Publication Date: 2016.03.02 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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Figure 3a~3c

AI summary

A connector (100) for connecting a component (102) to a heat sink (104), wherein the connector (100) is formed as a female part of a bayonet coupling enclosing an opening (106) for receiving one of the component (102) and the heat sink (104). Further, the connector (100) in use is arranged to ensure direct thermal contact between the component ( 102) and the heat sink ( 104) in the opening (106).