Connector Plug Heat Sink for LED Lighting Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern lighting devices, especially small LED-based devices, face challenges with heat dissipation due to limited heat dissipation surfaces, which can lead to reduced lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A connector plug with a heat sink that enhances heat dissipation by transferring heat from the lighting device to the surroundings, using materials with high thermal conductivity and designs such as fins or sleeves, integrated with standard USB or modular connectors for power and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If small LED-based lighting devices are used, then device size is reduced, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates due to limited heat dissipation surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connector plug with a heat sink, combining the electrical connection function and heat dissipation function into a single integrated component. The heat sink is directly formed as part of the connector plug body, creating a unified structure that simultaneously provides electrical contact and thermal management for small LED lighting devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector plug is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical power transfer, data communication, and heat dissipation. By integrating the heat sink functionality into the connector plug, the same component serves both electrical and thermal management purposes, eliminating the need for separate heat dissipation structures in small lighting devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If heat dissipation surface area is increased, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation function is merged with the existing connector plug structure rather than adding a separate heat dissipation component. The heat sink is formed as an integral part of the connector plug, utilizing the same material and manufacturing process, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while still providing enhanced heat dissipation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector plug material is selected or modified to have high thermal conductivity, changing the thermal parameter of the existing structure. By modifying the material properties or thermal characteristics of the connector plug itself, the heat dissipation capability is enhanced without adding complex structural elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution increases the overall heat dissipation area for small lighting devices, promoting longer device lifespan and allowing the use of standard connectors for both power and data communication while effectively managing heat.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink having a heat reception interface arranged to receive heat from the lighting device coupled to the connector plug and a heat dissipation interface arranged to dissipate at least some of the heat received via the heat reception interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heat dissipation interface arranged to dissipate at least some of the heat received via the heat reception interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3053225B1Connector comprising a heat sink and lighting device
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3053225B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3053225B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3053225B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

According to an aspect, a connector plug (11) for a lighting device (12) is provided. The connector plug comprises a fastening arrangement (13) for mechanically coupling the lighting device to the connector plug, and an electronic contact (15) arranged to transfer power to, and communicate data with the lighting device coupled to the connector plug. Further, the connector plug comprises a heat sink (17) having a heat reception interface (18) arranged to receive heat from the lighting device coupled to the connector plug and a heat dissipation interface arranged to dissipate at least some of the heat received via the heat reception interface. The present aspect is based on a concept of utilizing the connector plug for dissipating heat from the lighting device, whereby the overall heat dissipation from the lighting device increases, which promotes a longer life time of the lighting device.