Threaded LED Light Source for Easier Socket Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sources with twist-lock connectors are difficult for end users to replace due to the need to determine the orientation of keyhole slots while obscured by the light source, posing a challenge in ease of replacement.
Innovation Solution
A light source with a housing featuring a threaded connection at one end made of insulating material, allowing direct connection to a light fitting without an outer housing, and an LED circuit housed in a wider cylindrical end portion, enabling easy attachment and replacement by mating threaded parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a twist-lock connector with keyhole slots is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but the light source becomes difficult to replace due to obscured orientation determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the mechanical connector by using a Edison screw thread (E27) that provides both mechanical attachment and electrical connection through a single standardized interface. The socket contains female contacts that engage with male contacts on the bulb, separating the electrical connection function from the orientation-determining keyhole slots, thereby enabling easy replacement without obscured orientation determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The Edison screw thread serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and orientation determination through its standardized threaded design. This universal interface allows the light source to be easily replaced by any compatible bulb without requiring users to determine keyhole slot orientation, while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If electrical parts are exposed in the connector, then connection is achieved, but safety is reduced and replacement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the electrical contacts within the socket housing and light source structure. The female contacts in the socket and male contacts on the bulb are enclosed within the respective housings, with only the essential connection points exposed during mating. This nesting protects electrical parts from external access while maintaining functional connection, thereby improving safety without compromising connection reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an outer housing is used to protect electrical parts, then safety is improved, but replacement becomes more difficult due to obscured keyhole slots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the outer housing that obscured the keyhole slots and replaces it with a standardized Edison screw thread interface that does not require an outer housing for protection. The electrical contacts are protected through nesting within the socket and bulb structures themselves, eliminating the need for an additional outer housing that would hinder replacement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a light source (1) comprising a housing (3), a light source connector (5) at a first end (7) of the housing (3), for connecting the light source to a light fitting, and a light emitting diode, LED, circuit (9), configured to emit light through a second end (11) of the housing (3). The housing may be substantially symmetric about a symmetry axis (13) extending from the first to the second end of the housing (7), (11). The housing (3) has, at the first end (7), a first end portion (15), comprising a thread (19), made in an insulating material, and being configured to be connected to a light fitting. A light fitting comprising such a light source is also considered.