Interchangeable LED Modules for Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED lamps are inefficient in reducing electronic waste as they require replacement of the entire unit when a single LED fails, leading to unnecessary disposal of functional components, which contributes to hazardous waste generation.
Innovation Solution
Design of an LED lamp with independent LED modules that can be replaced singularly, featuring a load-bearing structure with reversible attachment mechanisms and connectors for each module, allowing for easy replacement of faulty modules without discarding the entire lamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LED lamps are designed as integrated units with all LEDs mounted on a single printed circuit board, then the lamp structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the entire lamp must be replaced when a single LED fails, leading to increased electronic waste
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp is divided into multiple independent modules, each containing a printed circuit board with LEDs. This segmentation allows individual modules to be replaced rather than the entire lamp, reducing electronic waste while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective replacement of only the faulty LED module while retaining and reusing functional modules. This recovers valuable electronic components and reduces the quantity of electronic waste generated from discarding working LEDs and circuit boards
2Loss of substance
If LED lamps use multiple independent modules with individual connectors, then faulty modules can be replaced individually to reduce waste, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp structure is segmented into independent modules with individual connectors, enabling selective replacement of faulty modules. The complexity is managed through standardized modular designs that simplify assembly and maintenance procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple LED modules share common mounting structures and connection interfaces on the load-bearing structure. This universality allows the same structural components to serve multiple functions across different modules, reducing overall device complexity despite the modular architecture
3Ease of operation
If all LED connectors are placed at one end of the load-bearing structure, then module replacement is simplified and ease of operation improves, but the spatial arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connectors for different LED modules are grouped together at one end of the load-bearing structure. This merging of connectors simplifies wiring and makes module replacement easier by集中izing connection points, while the spatial constraint is managed through compact connector design
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 solution reduces electronic waste by enabling the replacement of only the faulty LED module, extending the life of the lamp and minimizing hazardous waste, while maintaining energy efficiency and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to a lamp, of the LED lamp type... which uses at least one light-emitting diode (hereinafter denoted by the acronym 'LED')
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
LED lamp (1, 1', 101, 101') and apparatus (100) for the lighting of interiors comprising said LED lamp (1, 1', 101, 101'), said LED lamp (1, 1', 101, 101') comprising: a load-bearing structure (2, 2') provided with a first (22) and with a second end (22', 42'); and at least one first and one second LED module (3, 3'), each module (3, 3') comprising a printed circuit board and at least one LED (6, 6', 7, 7', 8, 8') mounted on the printed circuit board; said at least one first and one second LED modules (3, 3') being, moreover, attached in a reversible manner on said load-bearing structure (2, 2') by means of mechanical attachment means (10, 10', 11, 11") and said at least one first and one second LED modules (3, 3') each comprising at least one connector (9, 9', 19, 19') in order to receive electrical current from the outside.