LED Connection Frame With Thermal Arms for Low-Shadow Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in motor vehicles face challenges with heat dissipation and shadowing issues due to bulky resistive circuits, which limit flexibility and increase production complexity, and require dedicated connectors that restrict LED placement and increase device height.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a crimping mechanism and mechanical connection means that includes thermally conductive arms for heat dissipation, eliminating the need for resistive circuits and dedicated connectors, allowing for reduced dimensions and improved LED placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If bulky resistive circuits are used for heat dissipation in connection devices, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but device dimensions increase and shadowing of LEDs occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoiddevice dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from bulky resistive circuits and implements it through thin arms (140) that extend from the connection frame. These arms are specifically designed to dissipate heat without occupying significant space, thereby resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation capability and device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin arms (140) as heat dissipation structures instead of bulky resistive circuits. These thin structures provide adequate thermal management while minimizing the volume they occupy, thus preventing shadowing of LEDs and reducing overall device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If dedicated connectors with standardized sockets are used, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device height increases and LED placement flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice height
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrical connection function from dedicated connectors with standardized sockets and implements it through crimping terminals (132) that can be directly crimped to connection elements. This eliminates the need for bulky socket housings, reducing device height while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a connector housing that encloses the connection interface (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using exposed crimping terminals that make direct contact. This inversion eliminates the height constraint imposed by standardized socket housings while preserving electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Temperature

If resistive circuits are sized for specific applications, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoidproduction versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the connection frame with arms (140) that serve as universal heat dissipation structures applicable across multiple applications. Unlike application-specific resistive circuits, these arms provide adequate heat dissipation for various LED configurations without requiring customization, thereby improving ease of manufacture and production versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs arms with varying dimensions and configurations that can be adjusted through parameter changes rather than complete redesign. This allows the same basic structure to effectively dissipate heat across different applications while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and production versatility.

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 reduces the risk of shadowing and enhances production versatility by allowing closer placement of LEDs to the connection device, ensuring effective heat dissipation and improved safety through reduced device height and increased application flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The mechanical connection means may preferably comprise a thermal conductive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3253620B1Device for connecting a light source to an electrical power supply device
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3253620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connection device (100) for at least one light source having an electrical power supply device. The device (100) is used, in particular, in a light device for a motor vehicle and enables the placing of light sources at a distance from the connection element (110, 120, 130), which can in turn be placed at a distance from an electrical power supply device for the light sources. The connection device allows great freedom of location for light sources with respect to the device, since the device provides only little shadow on the light sources while ensuring good dissipation of the heat produced by same.