LED light module for vehicles

• US 6,371,636 B1
• Filed: 05/24/2000
• Issued: 04/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Jam Strait Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Jam Strait Incorporated
• Inventors: Wesson, Bruce
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Negron, Ismael
• Application Number:
  US09/578,813
• Time in Patent Office: 692 Days
• Field of Search: 362/800, 362/543, 362/544, 362/545, 362/549, 362/826, 362/235, 362/236, 362/240, 362/249, 362/498, 362/500, 362/542, 362/540, 362/541, 362/499
• US Class Current: 362/545
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2607 comprising at least two indicating lamps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/30 for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/44 for indicating braking action or preparation for braking, e.g. by detection of the foot approaching the brake pedal
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/20 Multi-color single source or LED matrix, e.g. yellow blinker and red brake lamp generated by single lamp
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/23 Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with a single fitting for each light source, e.g. for substitution of incandescent lamps with bayonet or threaded fittings
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/238 Arrangement or mounting of circuit elements integrated in the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/14 Light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/006 the substrate being distinct from the light source holder
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/83 the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/10 Controlling the intensity of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/32 Pulse-control circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/3574 Emulating the electrical or functional characteristics of incandescent lamps
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/56 involving measures to prevent abnormal temperature of the LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]

Abstract

A Light Emitting Diode Lamp Module for specific use in all vehicle tail, brake or turn signal lamp fixtures for integrated single and dual element operation. The module has integrated dual element control circuitry, voltage and current control circuitry, brightness enhancement circuitry, and LED circuitry built into the universal body to produce a bright, reliable, long life, energy efficient LED lamp that fits all vehicles.

Claims

1. An LED light bulb adapted for use in standard automotive bayonet type bulb sockets in a brake light mode, a tail light mode, and a turning light mode, comprising:

a printed circuit board having an upper side and a lower side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said upper side of said printed circuit board and electrically coupled with said printed circuit board;

a body having a first end and a second end, a cavity within said body, said body being tapered from first end to second end, said first end being larger than said second end, with the lower side of said printed circuit card attached to said first end of said body;

a base having a sidewall, a distal end and a proximal end, the sidewall having two alignment pins thereon, the proximal end attached to the second end of said body, the distal end having at least one contact; and

electrical control means electrically connected between first and second contacts on said base and said printed circuit board, whereby when an electrical signal is supplied to said contacts said electrical control means transmits a processed electrical current enabling said light emitting diodes to be energized and emit light, wherein the electrical control means causes all light emitting diodes to illuminate when used in either the tail lamp mode or the brake lamp mode, and causes the individual light emitting diodes'"'"' intensity to be greater when in brake lamp mode than when in tail lamp mode.

2. An LED light bulb as in claim 1 wherein said body contains a plurality of cooling holes.

3. An LED light bulb as in claim 1 wherein said electrical control means comprises a resistor.

4. An LED light bulb as in claim 1 wherein electrical control means comprising a resistor electrically connected between said first contact and said printed circuit board and a resistor-diode series combination electrically connected between said second contact and printed circuit board.

5. An LED light bulb adapted for use in standard automotive wedge type bulb sockets in a brake light mode, a tail light mode, and a turning light mode, having electrical contacts therein comprising:

a printed circuit board having an upper side and a lower side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said upper side of said printed circuit board and electrically coupled with said printed circuit board;

a body having a first end and a second end, a cavity within said body, said body being tapered from the first end to second end, said first end being larger than said second end, said second end terminating in a wedge shaped portion, said wedge shaped portion having a plurality of bores therein extending from said cavity to the exterior of said wedge shaped portion at the second end of said body and having retainers on the exterior sides of said wedge shaped portion;

electrical control means mounted within said cavity and electrically connected between said printed circuit board and at least one pair of electrical conductors, said electrical conductors extending through said bores exteriorly of said wedge shaped portion wherein conductors of each pair are folded exteriorly of said wedge shaped portion and fixed in said retainers on opposite sides of said wedge shaped portion such that electrical contact can be provided between said socket and externally protruding portions of said conductors when said wedge shaped portion is positioned within said socket, whereby when an electrical signal is supplied to said socket said electrical control means transmits a processed electrical current enabling said light emitting diodes to be energized and emit light, wherein all light emitting diodes illuminate when used in either the tail lamp mode or the brake lamp mode, and brake lamp intensity is greater than tail lamp intensity.

6. An LED light bulb as in claim 5 wherein said electrical control means comprises a resistor electrically connected between said printed circuit board with a second lead of a pair of leads connected to said printed circuit board and a resistor-diode series element electrically connected to one of a pair of leads with the second lead of said pair being connected to said printed circuit board.

7. An LED light bulb as in claim 5 wherein said body contains a plurality of cooling holes.

8. An LED light bulb as in claim 5 wherein said electrical control means comprises a resistor electrically connected between said first contact and said printed circuit board and a resistor-diode series combination electrically connected between said second contact and printed circuit board.

9. An LED light bulb adapted for use in standard automotive wedge type bulb sockets in a brake light mode, a tail light mode, and a turning light mode, comprising:

a printed circuit board having an upper side and a lower side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said upper side of said printed circuit board and electrically coupled with said printed circuit board;

a body having a first end and a second end, a cavity within said body, said body being tapered from the first end to the second end, said first end being larger than said second end, said second end terminating in a wedge shaped portion, said wedge shaped portion having a plurality of bores therein extending from said cavity to the exterior of said wedge shaped portion at the second end of said body with retainers on the exterior sides of said wedge shaped portion;

electrical control means mounted within said cavity electrically connected between said printed circuit board and at least one pair of electrical conductors, said electrical conductors extending through said bores exteriorly to said wedge shaped portion wherein conductors of each pair are folded exteriorly to said wedge shaped portion and fixed in said retainers on opposite sides of said wedge shaped portion;

an electrically insulating base member including a first portion having an opening therein and a protruding second portion adjacent said first portion for being within a socket having electrical conductors thereon, said wedge shaped portion being securely positioned within said opening, said first portion of said base member thereby providing a cover for each of the externally projecting portions of said conductors passing through said protruding second portion and protruding exteriorly thereof, said first portion of said insulting base member including means for maintaining the externally protruding portions in a predeterminied alignment within said first portion and against said protruding second portion such that electrical contact can be provided between said socket and said externally protruding portions of said conductors when said second portion is positioned within said socket, wherein all light emitting diodes illuminate when used in either the tail lamp mode or the brake lamp mode, and brake lamp intensity is greater than tail lamp intensity.

10. An LED light bulb as in claim 9 wherein said body contains a plurality of cooling holes.

11. An LED light bulb as in claim 9 wherein said electrical control means comprises a resistor electrically connected between a first conductor and said printed circuit board and a resistor-diode series combination electrically connected between a second conductor and printed circuit board.

12. An LED light bulb adapted for use in standard automotive bayonet type bulb sockets in a brake light mode, a tail light mode, and a turning light mode, comprising:

a printed circuit board having an upper side and a lower side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said upper side of said printed circuit board and electrically coupled with said printed circuit board;

a base having a sidewall, a distal end and a proximal end, a cavity, the sidewall having two alignment pins thereon, the proximal end attached to said printed circuit board, the distal end having at least one contact; and

electrical control means positioned within said cavity electrically connected between first and second contacts on said base and said printed circuit board, said lower side of said printed circuit board being attached to said proximal end of said base, whereby when an electrical signal is supplied to said contacts said electrical control means transmits a processed electrical current enabling said light emitting diodes to be energized and emit light, wherein the electrical control means causes all light emitting diodes to illuminate when used in either the tail lamp mode or the brake lamp mode, and causes the individual light emitting diodes'"'"' intensity to be greater when in brake lamp mode than when in tail lamp mode.

13. An LED light bulb as in claim 12 wherein said electrical control means comprises a resistor electrically connected between said first contact and said printed circuit board and a resistor-diode series combination electrically connected between said second contact and printed circuit board.

14. An LED light bulb adapted for use in standard automotive bayonet type bulb sockets comprising:

a printed circuit board having an upper side and a lower side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said upper side of said printed circuit board and electrically coupled with said printed circuit board;

a body having a first end and a second end, a cavity within said body, said body being tapered from first end to second end, said first end being larger than said second end, with the lower side of said printed circuit card attached to said first end of said body;

a base having a sidewall, a distal end and a proximal end, the sidewall having two alignment pins thereon, the proximal end attached to the second end of said body, the distal end having at least one contact; and

electrical control means electrically connected between at least one contact on said base and said printed circuit board, whereby when an electrical signal is supplied to said contact said electrical control means transmits a processed electrical current enabling said light emitting diodes to be energized and emit light, wherein said electrical control means comprises means for producing a series of electrical pulses mid applying said electrical pulses to said printed circuit board when an electrical signal is applied to a contact on said base.

15. An LED light bulb adapted for use in standard automotive wedge type bulb sockets having electrical contacts therein comprising:

a printed circuit board having an upper side and a lower side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said upper side of said printed circuit board and electrically coupled with said printed circuit board;

a body having a first end and a second end, a cavity within said body, said body being tapered from the first end to second end, said first end being larger than said second end, said second end terminating in a wedge shaped portion, said wedge shaped portion having a plurality of bores therein extending from said cavity to the exterior of said wedge shaped portion at the second end of said body and having retainers on the exterior sides of said wedge shaped portion;

electrical control means mounted within said cavity and electrically connected between said printed circuit board and at least one pair of electrical conductors, said electrical conductors extending through said bores exteriorly of said wedge shaped portion wherein conductors of each pair are folded exteriorly of said wedge shaped portion and fixed in said retainers on opposite sides of said wedge shaped portion such that electrical contact can be provided between said socket and externally protruding portions of said conductors when said wedge shaped portion is positioned within said socket, whereby when an electrical signal is supplied to said socket said electrical control means transmits a processed electrical current enabling said light emitting diodes to be energized and emit light, wherein said electrical control means comprises means for producing a series of electrical pulses and applying said electrical pulses to said printed circuit board when an electrical signal is applied to said externally protruding portions of said conductors.

16. An LED light bulb adapted for use in standard automotive wedge type bulb sockets comprising:

a printed circuit board having an upper side and a lower side;

a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said upper side of said printed circuit board and electrically coupled with said printed circuit board;

a body having a first end and a second end, a cavity within said body, said body being tapered from the first end to the second end, said first end being larger than said second end, said second end terminating in a wedge shaped portion, said wedge shaped portion having a plurality of bores therein extending from said cavity to the exterior of said wedge shaped portion at the second end of said body with retainers on the exterior sides of said wedge shaped portion;

electrical control means mounted within said cavity electrically connected between said printed circuit board and at least one pair of electrical conductors, said electrical conductors extending through said bores exteriorly to said wedge shaped portion wherein conductors of each pair are folded exteriorly to said wedge shaped portion and fixed in said retainers on opposite sides of said wedge shaped portion;

an electrically insulating base member including a first portion having an opening therein and a protruding second portion adjacent said first portion for being within a socket having electrical conductors thereon, said wedge shaped portion being securely positioned within said opening, said first portion of said base member thereby providing a cover for each of the externally projecting portions of said conductors passing through said protruding second portion and protruding exteriorly thereof, said first portion of said insulting base member including means for maintaining the externally protruding portions in a predetermined alignment within said first portion and against said protruding second portion such that electrical contact can be provided between said socket and said externally protruding portions of said conductors when said second portion is positioned within said socket, wherein said electrical control means comprises means for producing a series of electrical pulses and applying said electrical pulses to said printed circuit board when an electrical signal is applied to said externally protruding portions of said conductors.