Mechanical Interface for Glass Bulb in Solid State Retrofit Lamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for retrofitting solid state light source lamps with glass bulbs face challenges such as the difficulty in replicating the crystallized appearance and thermal effects of glass, messy bonding processes, and the need for costly equipment, which can lead to increased consumer costs and the requirement for replacing entire fixtures when bulbs break or need to be changed.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical interface system that allows for easy attachment and replacement of glass bulbs on solid state light source retrofit lamps, including a connector and optical mount configuration that secures the glass bulb in position, enabling flexibility in bulb type and extending the life of the light source without needing to replace the entire lamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a glass bulb is used on a retrofit lamp, then the optical and thermal effects similar to incandescent lamps are achieved, but the bonding process becomes messy and requires costly equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding process with a mechanical attachment system consisting of a mounting structure with external threads that screw onto internal threads in the lamp housing. This mechanical connection eliminates the messy bonding process while maintaining secure attachment of the glass bulb, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable optical/thermal effects and ease of manufacture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a glass bulb is glued to the lamp housing, then the bulb is secured in position, but the bonding process contaminates solid state light sources and electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical threading system replaces the gluing process, providing secure positional stability through threaded engagement rather than adhesive bonding. This eliminates contamination of solid state light sources and electrical components by removing the need for bonding agents, directly addressing the contradiction between bulb position stability and prevention of harmful contamination.
3Weight of moving object
If plastic bulb is used in retrofit lamp, then weight is reduced and design flexibility is increased, but the crystallized appearance and thermal effect of glass bulb cannot be replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retrofit lamp into separate functional components: a plastic lamp housing containing the solid state light sources and thermal management system, and a separate glass bulb that provides the desired optical and thermal effects. The mechanical mounting structure connects these segments, allowing the glass bulb to be attached to the plastic housing, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and achieving glass-like optical/thermal performance.
4Reliability
If entire lamp is replaced when glass bulb breaks, then a functional lamp is restored, but consumer costs increase and fixture compatibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a modular system where the glass bulb is a separate, replaceable component from the lamp housing. The mechanical mounting structure with threaded connections enables easy bulb replacement without replacing the entire lamp, maintaining fixture compatibility and reducing consumer costs while restoring lamp functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical interface for a glass bulb is provided. The mechanical interface includes a connector and an optical mount. The connector is in contact with the glass bulb. The connector may be a separate component attached to the glass bulb, or may be a continuous part of the glass bulb, such that the connector is itself made of glass. The optical mount is configured to receive the connector. In so receiving, the optical mount operatively couples with the connector so as to secure the glass bulb in a position. The optical mount is also configured to attach to a lamp housing. A solid state light source retrofit lamp may thus be formed of a lamp housing including a solid state light source light engine and its required components, a glass bulb, and a mechanical interface for the glass bulb.