Modular lighting system and method employing loosely constrained magnetic structures
First Claim
1. A lighting system comprising:
- a) a lighting module comprising one or more electrically powered LEDs;
b) a thermal conduction pathway for removing heat from the one or more LEDs;
c) a lighting fixture for attaching a lighting module comprising electricity for powering the one or more LEDs;
d) a magnetic connection between the lighting module and the lighting fixture for attaching comprising at least one loosely constrained magnet or material to which a magnet is attracted wherein the thermal conduction pathway does not essentially pass through the magnet;
e) wherein the electricity is delivered to the one or more LEDs when the lighting module is connected to the lighting fixture via the magnetic connection; and
f) wherein the one or more LEDs comprise a mechanical bias which holds the one or more LEDs against the thermal conduction pathway to the lighting fixture.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lighting system including modules containing LEDs or other electroluminescent devices and loosely constrained magnetic structures at least partially contained within cavities in the module substrate that are connected to fixtures under magnetic force. The loosely constrained magnetic structures accommodate mechanical variations in the system and provide a method to connect modules mechanically, electrically and thermally to different fixtures or positions in fixtures without tools. The relatively short distance separating magnetic structures provides high connection forces with the use of relatively small magnets. Magnets and electrical contacts are not located directly between the LED subassembly and the fixture, which provides higher thermal conductivity pathways to remove heat from the LEDs. Biasing members may be used to increase thermal contact. Magnetic structures may, but are not required, to conduct electricity. Fixtures that attach to modules include rails, sockets, heat sinks and two-dimensional structures with recessed electrodes for improved electrical safety.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A lighting system comprising:
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a) a lighting module comprising one or more electrically powered LEDs; b) a thermal conduction pathway for removing heat from the one or more LEDs; c) a lighting fixture for attaching a lighting module comprising electricity for powering the one or more LEDs; d) a magnetic connection between the lighting module and the lighting fixture for attaching comprising at least one loosely constrained magnet or material to which a magnet is attracted wherein the thermal conduction pathway does not essentially pass through the magnet; e) wherein the electricity is delivered to the one or more LEDs when the lighting module is connected to the lighting fixture via the magnetic connection; and f) wherein the one or more LEDs comprise a mechanical bias which holds the one or more LEDs against the thermal conduction pathway to the lighting fixture. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A lighting system comprising
a) a lighting module comprising one or more electrically powered LEDs; -
b) a thermal conduction pathway for removing heat from the one or more LEDs; c) a lighting fixture for attaching a lighting module comprising electricity for powering the one or more LEDs; d) a magnetic connection between the lighting module and the lighting fixture for attaching comprising at least one loosely constrained magnet or material to which a magnet is attracted wherein the thermal conduction pathway does not essentially pass through the magnet; e) wherein the electricity is delivered to the one or more LEDs when the lighting module is connected to the lighting fixture via the magnetic connection; f) wherein at least a portion of the lighting module comprises a material with a high thermal conductivity; and g) wherein the thermal conduction pathway is through the portion of the lighting module having a high thermal conductivity.
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26. A lighting system comprising
a) a lighting module comprising one or more electrically powered LEDs; -
b) a thermal conduction pathway for removing heat from the one or more LEDs; c) a lighting fixture for attaching a lighting module comprising electricity for powering the one or more LEDs; d) a magnetic connection between the lighting module and the lighting fixture for attaching comprising at least one loosely constrained magnet or material to which a magnet is attracted wherein the thermal conduction pathway does not essentially pass through the magnet; e) wherein the electricity is delivered to the one or more LEDs when the lighting module is connected to the lighting fixture via the magnetic connection; and f) wherein a bottom of the one or more LEDs is held against the lighting fixture when the magnetic connection is made. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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28. A lighting system comprising:
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a) a lighting module comprising one or more electrically powered LEDs; b) a thermal conduction pathway; c) a lighting fixture for attaching a lighting module comprising electricity for powering the one or more LEDs; d) a magnetic connection wherein components of the magnetic connection are fixed in position; and e) wherein the one or more LEDs are mechanically biased to be held against the thermal conduction pathway when the lighting module is magnetically attached to the lighting fixture. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification