LED-based light-generating modules for socket engagement, and methods of assembling, installing and removing same

US7766518B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PHILIPS SOLID-STATE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Colin Piepgras · Swampscott, US
• Tomas Mollnow · Austin, US
• Michael K. Blackwell · Milton, US
• Brian J. Chemel · Marblehead, US
• Frederick Morgan · Quincy, US
• Kevin McCormick · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 23, 2006
• Grant date: Aug 3, 2010
• Expiry date: Dec 21, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F21Y2115/10
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics. Modular lighting controllers for such fixtures also may be easily installed in or removed from the fixture housing via the same access route by which the light-generating module is installed and removed.