Integrated Power Connector for LED Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for light-emitting devices that consume less power and have lower manufacturing costs, replacing incandescent and fluorescent lamps, while being made up of fewer parts to reduce energy consumption and production costs.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device design featuring a support with high thermal conductivity, a power supply connector with integrally-formed metal members, and a bare chip light-emitting element connected via wires, all covered by a protective and light-diffusing cover member, which simplifies assembly and reduces part count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lighting devices use multiple separate components (connector, wiring board, heat spreader), then reliability and ease of repair are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connector body, heat dissipation structure, and electrical connection components into a single integrated power supply connector. This merging reduces the number of separate parts (eliminating the need for separate wiring boards and heat spreaders) while maintaining reliable electrical and thermal connections through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the number of parts is reduced to lower manufacturing cost, then manufacturing cost and device complexity are reduced, but ease of repair and reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated connector combines multiple functions (electrical connection, heat dissipation, structural support) into one component, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability through careful design of the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated connector is designed with distinct functional zones: the first portion for electrical connection (with contact portions and wiring), the second portion for heat dissipation (with heat dissipation fins), and the third portion for structural support. This internal segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently within the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If AC power is converted to DC power using a power supply circuit, then compatibility with semiconductor light-emitting elements is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply connector is designed to accept AC power input while integrating the necessary rectification and voltage regulation functions. The connector includes contact portions for phase and neutral lines, and the integrated structure provides both electrical connection and power conversion capabilities in a single component, reducing overall system complexity.

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

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

This design reduces manufacturing costs, enhances reliability, and achieves efficient heat dissipation and light distribution, making it suitable for energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a support with high thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a protective and light-diffusing cover member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3185318B1Light-emitting device and power supply connector for light-emitting device
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 NICHIA CORP
  • EP3185318B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3185318B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3185318B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A light-emitting device (101) includes a support (11) having a primary surface (11a); a power supply connector (21) located on the primary surface of the support and including one or more wire pads (23a); a light-emitting element (31) located on the primary surface of the support; one or more wires (41) connecting the light-emitting element and the wire pads; and a cover member (51) located on the primary surface of the support and covering the light-emitting element and the wire pads.