Linear LED Module Socket with Resilient Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear LED light modules are difficult to remove and replace from their heat sinks, leading to higher manufacturing costs and limited flexibility in upgrading or changing lighting options, as well as increased inventory requirements for manufacturers and users.
Innovation Solution
A linear LED light module with a resilient mechanism, such as a spring-loaded mechanism or locking mechanism actuated by levers, that allows easy detachment and reattachment from a socket, enabling effective heat dissipation and allowing for tool-free replacement and upgrade options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If LED modules are bolted down or attached directly to heat sinks, then manufacturing cost increases and replacement difficulty increases, but heat dissipation effectiveness is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the LED lighting system into separable components: a removable LED module and a stationary heat sink with socket. This segmentation allows the LED module to be easily replaced while maintaining thermal connection to the heat sink through the resilient mechanism, resolving the contradiction between ease of replacement and heat dissipation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mechanism (spring-loaded or rubber band-based) provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the LED module to be easily inserted and removed while automatically maintaining optimal contact pressure with the heat sink. This dynamic connection enables tool-free replacement while ensuring effective heat transfer throughout the module's operational life.
2Temperature
If LED modules are attached directly to heat sinks, then manufacturing cost increases, but heat dissipation effectiveness is improved
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the LED module from the heat sink assembly and introducing an independent resilient mechanism, the invention enables modular manufacturing. Each component can be manufactured separately using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective thermal coupling through the resilient connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the LED module and heat sink, providing a cost-effective solution that simplifies manufacturing. This separate intermediary component allows for standardized production of each part and reduces the need for complex integrated manufacturing processes.
3Temperature
If LED modules use fasteners to bolt down, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but replacement difficulty and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from the thermal connection function. Instead of using integrated fasteners that combine mechanical attachment and thermal coupling, the design separates these functions: the socket provides mechanical retention while the resilient mechanism provides both attachment and thermal coupling, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment of the LED module to the heat sink, enables tool-free insertion and removal, and maintains optimal thermal contact pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure.
4Temperature
If LED modules are permanently attached to heat sinks, then heat dissipation effectiveness is improved, but adaptability and upgradeability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design with separable LED module and heat sink assembly enables easy upgrading and adaptation. Users can replace the LED module with different specifications (color temperature, beam angle, CRI) while keeping the heat sink and socket, providing high adaptability without compromising heat dissipation effectiveness.
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 simplifies the installation and replacement of LED light modules, reduces manufacturing costs, minimizes inventory needs, and allows end-users to easily change lighting configurations or replace modules, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient mechanism (e.g., spring loaded mechanism) configured to releasably and resiliently couple the linear light module to the socket
Implementation Method 2
the module contacts a heat dissipating member (e.g. heat sink, active cooling system, heat dissipating portion of the light fixture, etc.) to thereby dissipate heat generated by the LED light module to the heat dissipating member
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly can include a linear light module with one or more LED light elements, where a length of the light module is greater than a width of the light module. An elongate socket removably receives the linear light module therein. The socket includes a locking mechanism actuatable to releasably and resiliently lock the linear light module in the socket via actuation of one or more levers.