Modular Design for Simplified LED Lighting Assembly
15 patents in this list
Updated:
Modern LED lighting systems require precise assembly of multiple components - from LED arrays and heat sinks to optical elements and electrical connections. Current manufacturing processes often involve complex manual steps, with assembly times averaging 12-15 minutes per fixture and defect rates reaching 3-5% due to connection errors and misalignment.
The fundamental challenge lies in simplifying assembly while maintaining precise optical alignment, thermal management, and reliable electrical connections across diverse lighting applications.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including substrate-joining techniques that eliminate connectors, T-shaped contact designs for universal LED compatibility, optical arrays with integrated electrodes, and modular socket-based systems. These and other approaches focus on reducing assembly complexity while ensuring consistent performance in commercial and industrial lighting products.
1. Illumination Apparatus with Directional Catadioptric Optical Elements and Integrated LED Electrical Connections
Optovate Limited, 2022
An illumination apparatus designed for lighting applications with directional output using LEDs and optical elements. The apparatus features an array of directional catadioptric optical elements aligned with an array of LEDs. These optical elements include electrodes that provide electrical connections to the LEDs, allowing the LEDs to be packaged separately from the optics. The optical element array can be assembled with the LED array to create the complete illumination apparatus.
2. Light-Emitting Device with Overlapping Flexible and Rigid Substrates and Conductive Joining Member
NICHIA CORPORATION, 2022
A light-emitting device designed to prevent cracks in solder joints between substrates in LED displays while reducing the number of connectors. The device features two substrates: one flexible and one rigid. At one end, the flexible substrate overlaps the rigid substrate without covering the wiring patterns. An electrically conductive joining member spans across the wiring patterns to connect the substrates. This design enables flexible arrangement and prevents solder joint cracks.
3. Light-Emitting Device with Overlapping Flexible Substrates and Conductive Joining Member
NICHIA CORPORATION, 2021
A light-emitting device with a cost-effective substrate joining structure that allows for flexible substrate arrangement. It consists of a first flexible substrate with mounted light-emitting elements and a second substrate. The first substrate overlaps part of the second substrate without covering its wiring. An electrically conductive joining member bridges the wiring patterns of both substrates. This design eliminates the need for connectors or adhesives, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
4. Monolithic LED Array with Selective Removal and Reconfiguration for Customized Non-Monolithic Assembly
Optovate Limited, 2020
An approach for creating customized and efficient LED lighting devices involves assembling a monolithic array of LEDs and then selectively modifying it to achieve desired configurations. The process starts with a monolithic array of LEDs, from which specific LEDs are selectively removed and transferred to form a customized array with specific positions and spacings. This non-monolithic array is then aligned with an array of optical elements to create the final illumination apparatus. Techniques such as light or laser-based separation are used to remove and position LEDs precisely, allowing for optimization of the LED arrangement to match the optical elements. This method enhances efficiency by avoiding the need to manufacture LEDs in the final configuration from the outset.
5. LED Illumination Apparatus with Customizable LED and Optical Element Arrays Featuring Integrated Electrical Connectivity
Optovate Limited, 2020
An LED-based illumination apparatus designed for efficient, directionally controlled lighting features reduced manufacturing complexity. It comprises an array of custom optical elements, such as lenses, aligned with a separate array of LEDs. The optical elements focus and direct the light emitted by the LEDs. The optical array includes electrodes for electrical connections to the LEDs. LEDs are initially formed in a monolithic array but are selectively removed and transferred onto a substrate to create a customized LED array with specific compositions and spacings. This custom array is then assembled with the optical array, allowing for precise configuration and alignment. Techniques like selective removal from the monolithic array facilitate this customization, while the optical array ensures proper electrical contact with the LEDs.
6. LED Holder with Base and T-Shaped Contact Section for Versatile CoB-LED Pad Connectivity
TE Connectivity Nederland BV, 2019
Low-cost, small-sized holder for an LED that can easily contact and mount a variety of different CoB-LEDs having contact pads in different locations. The holder includes a base, a contact, and a T-shaped contact section. The contact is connected to electrical wiring and has a receiving section to connect to a cable. The base holds the contact and exposes the T-shaped contact section in a receptacle that receives the LED board. This allows the T-shaped contact to electrically contact a pad on the LED board.
7. Illumination Apparatus with Separately Formed Optical and Light-Emitting Element Arrays for Aligned Light Direction
Optovate Limited, 2019
An illumination apparatus that provides a highly efficient, compact, and customizable lighting solution. The apparatus involves an array of separately formed optical elements and a separately formed array of light-emitting elements. The optical element array contains reflective or refractive elements that direct light emitted by the light-emitting elements. The optical element array also has electrodes to electrically connect to the light-emitting elements. The optical and light-emitting element arrays are assembled with alignment so each light-emitting element is positioned at an input surface of an optical element. This enables the separately formed light-emitting array to be customized and optimized independently from the optical elements.
8. Modular Lamp with Replaceable Planar Semiconductor Lighting Elements and Multi-Sided Socket Connections
Ulrich Spintge, Karsten Diekmann, Britta Goeoetz, 2019
Modular lamp design with easily replaceable planar semiconductor lighting elements that can be mounted in sockets. The lamp consists of an illuminant with a planar LED lighting surface that can be inserted into a socket. The socket provides the electrical and mechanical connection to power the illuminant. Multiple illuminants can be inserted into adjacent sockets to create a larger common illumination surface. The sockets can have connections on multiple sides for flexible wiring and shorted supply connections to simplify electrical connections.
9. Light-Emitting Device with Overlapping Substrates and Single Conductive Joining Member
NICHIA CORPORATION, 2019
A light-emitting device with a simplified, cost-effective structure using overlapping substrates and a joining member. The device has two overlapping substrates with wiring patterns and light-emitting elements. The substrates are partially overlapped with the first substrate overlapping a portion of the second substrate. An electrically conductive joining member is positioned across the wiring patterns. This configuration allows the substrates to be connected with just one joining member instead of multiple connectors.
10. Lighting Module with Heat Sink-Mounted Electrical Connector and Integrated Interconnection Device
VALEO VISION, 2019
A lighting module for vehicle headlights and other lighting applications that can simplify production and reduce costs compared to traditional connectors. The module has an electrical connector for connecting to vehicle wiring that is mounted directly to a heat sink using an electrical interconnection device such as a printed circuit board. This eliminates the need for a two-part connector with the second part joining after the heat sink mounting. The module design also includes a cavity on the heat sink to prevent electrical contact between the connector contacts and the sink.
11. LED Light Fixture with Detachable Modules and Sliding Power Connector Interface
KMW INC., 2018
LED light fixture with detachable modules that makes it easy to replace them when needed or add/remove modules to adjust brightness. The fixture has a frame with a power connector. The LED module has a connector that slides into the frame and connects to the power connector. This allows the module to be quickly attached/detached for maintenance or to customize brightness by adding/removing modules.
12. Two-Piece Connector with Spring-Loaded Contact Pads for Screwless LED Module Retention and Electrical Connection
SMK Corporation, 2018
A connector for holding and electrically connecting an LED module substrate without screws. It uses a two-piece cover system. Closing the upper cover piece over the lower piece clamps the LED module in between. The upper cover has spring-loaded contact pads that make electrical connection with the module's contact pads. The clamping action of closing the covers holds the module securely in place and establishes electrical contact. This eliminates the need for screws and provides reliable electrical connection to the module.
13. LED Lamp Assembly with Independent Rotatable Driver and Housing for Fixture Retrofitting
Differential Energy Products, LLC, 2018
LED-based lamp assembly for retrofitting light fixtures without requiring rewiring or modifications. The lamp assembly has a rotating driver assembly that screws into the existing socket and makes electrical contact. A lamp housing with LEDs is connected to the driver. The driver and housing rotate independently to adjust the light direction. Heat sinks and fans cool the LEDs. The rotatable driver and housing allow aiming the LEDs without modifying fixtures.
14. Flexible Circuit Board Assembly with Dual-Surface Metal Layers for LED Lamp
LEDLITEK CO., LTD, 2018
Flexible circuit board assembly for an LED lamp to improve heat dissipation, maintain shape, and enable efficient production. The assembly uses a strip-shaped resin layer as a substrate. On the upper surface, a signal line layer made of copper or aluminum is patterned for electrical connections. On the lower surface, a thicker heat dissipation layer made of the same metal is added to dissipate LED heat.
15. Modular OLED Light Source with Spring Biased Engagement Claws and Automatic Holding Mechanism
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD., 2018
A modular organic light emitting diode (OLED) light source and fixture that allows easy installation and prevents OLED unit from falling out. The light source unit attaches to the socket using spring biased engagement claws. The socket has a holding mechanism that keeps the claws disengaged when the OLED unit is not present. When the OLED unit is inserted, the holding mechanism releases the claws to engage and hold the unit in place.
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Increasing output and reducing costs require optimizing the process for assembling LED lighting fixtures. The patents here show a variety of inventive approaches to accomplishing this goal. These methods focus on improving the integration of components, standardizing connectors, and simplifying mounting processes.