Connector devices, systems, and related methods for connecting light emitting diode (LED) modules
First Claim
1. A connector device for securing a light emitting diode (LED) module that comprises a plurality of separate and individual light emitters, the connector device comprising:
- a connector body comprising a first side configured to engage the LED module to hold the LED module in place against a first surface, and a second side configured to engage an optical element for mechanically coupling the LED module to the optical element;
the connector body being configured to receive a portion of an electrical wire, whereby engagement of the LED module by the first side of the connector body also electrically couples the LED module to the electrical wire; and
the connector body comprising an opening extending between the first surface on the first side and a second surface on the second side, wherein a plurality of tabs extend from the second surface and are disposed above the second surface and above the opening for engaging the optical element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Connector devices, systems, and related methods for connecting light emitting diode (LED) modules to thermal substrates and/or optical elements are disclosed. In some aspects, a connector device can include a connector body having a first side configured to engage an LED module and a second side configured to engage an optical element for mechanically coupling the LED module to the optical element. The connector device can further include a housing configured to receive a portion of an electrical wire for electrically coupling the LED module to the electrical wire. A connector system can include an annular body defining an opening and at least one LED module disposed in a portion of the connector. The connector can be configured to cover a portion of the LED module and leave another portion of the LED module exposed or visible.
178 Citations
73 Claims
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1. A connector device for securing a light emitting diode (LED) module that comprises a plurality of separate and individual light emitters, the connector device comprising:
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a connector body comprising a first side configured to engage the LED module to hold the LED module in place against a first surface, and a second side configured to engage an optical element for mechanically coupling the LED module to the optical element; the connector body being configured to receive a portion of an electrical wire, whereby engagement of the LED module by the first side of the connector body also electrically couples the LED module to the electrical wire; and the connector body comprising an opening extending between the first surface on the first side and a second surface on the second side, wherein a plurality of tabs extend from the second surface and are disposed above the second surface and above the opening for engaging the optical element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A connector device for securing a light emitting diode (LED) module, the connector device comprising:
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a connector body comprising a first side configured to engage the LED module, the connector body comprising a centrally disposed opening extending between a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface; and a plurality of tabs extending above the planar upper surface and above the opening for engaging an optical element. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A connector system for connecting a light emitting diode (LED) module to a substrate, the connector system comprising:
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a connector comprising a body that defines an opening; at least one LED module disposed in a portion of the connector, the LED module comprising; a substrate; one or more light emitters disposed on the substrate; and one or more electrical components disposed on the substrate; and wherein, when the at least one LED module is disposed in a portion of the connector, the one or more electrical components are covered and not visible and the one or more light emitters are visible through a portion of the opening; and wherein the opening extends between a reflective, planar upper surface of the body and a parallel planer lower surface of the body, and wherein a side opening is disposed in a lateral side wall of the body between the upper surface and the lower surface, the lateral side opening being configured to receive one or more electrical components. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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61. A method of connecting a light emitting diode (LED) module to another component, the method comprising:
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providing a connector with a connector body and an opening; providing an LED module over a first side of the connector body; positioning an optical element over a tab provided on a second side of the connector body, wherein the tab extends above the opening of the connector body; and inserting an electrical wire into the connector body for electrically coupling the wire to the LED module. - View Dependent Claims (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70)
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71. A connector system comprising:
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a light emitting diode (LED) module comprising at least one light emitter, the light emitter comprising a submount; a connector body comprising a first side configured to engage the LED module to hold the LED module in place against a surface, a second side configured to engage an optical element, and one or more tab portions, wherein the tab portions of the connector body extend a furthest distance away from the connector body than any other portion of the connector body; and whereby engagement of the LED module by the first side of the connector body also electrically couples the LED module to the connector device. - View Dependent Claims (72, 73)
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Specification