Modular LED Socket for Thermal and Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based lighting fixtures require complete replacement or skilled technician intervention for component changes, and exchanging LED light sources is difficult, especially when different types or when existing sources fail, leading to inefficiencies in installation and thermal management.
Innovation Solution
Modular lighting fixtures with a socket system that facilitates mechanical, electrical, and thermal coupling, allowing easy engagement and disengagement of LED-based light-generating modules, similar to replacing incandescent bulbs, and includes a controller module for flexible operation and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LED-based light sources are incorporated into a fixed lighting fixture, then the fixture provides stable and reliable lighting, but replacement of LED components requires complete fixture replacement or skilled technician intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed housing containing control circuitry and removable light-generating modules containing LED sources. This segmentation allows the LED modules to be independently replaced without affecting the fixed housing, enabling easy maintenance while preserving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, integrated fixture design to a dynamic modular architecture where light-generating modules can be easily inserted and removed. The socket interface provides mechanical retention during operation but allows quick release, creating a dynamic system that adapts to maintenance needs without compromising operational stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different LED-based light sources are exchanged in existing fixtures, then lighting characteristics can be optimized, but the exchange process is difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The socket interface is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different types of LED-based light-generating modules. The standardized mechanical and electrical interface allows various LED modules with different light characteristics to be exchanged in the same fixture, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation through consistent installation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If LED modules are made removable for easy replacement, then installation and maintenance become simpler, but thermal management and electrical connections must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The socket interface merges multiple functions into a single integration point: mechanical retention, electrical connection, and thermal conduction. By combining these functions, the design achieves easy module replacement while simultaneously maintaining thermal management pathways and electrical connectivity without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket acts as an intermediary component between the fixed housing and removable LED modules, providing dedicated thermal conduction pathways and electrical contacts. This intermediary structure ensures that thermal management and electrical connections are maintained during module operation while allowing easy removal when needed.
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
Enables straightforward replacement and interchange of LED modules without altering the fixture, improving installation ease, thermal efficiency, and allowing for different light characteristics, similar to conventional bulb replacement, while maintaining thermal management and controller flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a socket configured to facilitate a thermal conduction path between a light-generating module installed in the socket and the at least one thermally conductive portion of the fixture housing
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics. Modular lighting controllers for such fixtures also may be easily installed in or removed from the fixture housing via the same access route by which the light-generating module is installed and removed.