GLED: Reusable LED Bulbs and Tubes with their Replaceable LED Cartridge

We realized at our home we are replacing 1-2 LED bulbs per month and the remaining LED bulbs emits low light after 6 months, which practically needs to be replaced but we lighten more bulbs to get the required intensity of light.

Earlier LED bulbs has 3-4 years warranty and and claimed to last 50000 hours. Now the LED bulbs  have 1 year warranty with a claim of 15000 hours, and an average life of 2 years. Once fail they are thrown as e-waste and replaced with a NEW bulb as they cannot be repaired as all their parts are soldiered, glued and screwed. By 2030 an estimated 70 billion light points will have LED bulbs and by 2032 these LED bulbs will become E-waste of 3 billion Kg, because of its failed PCBA, which constitutes just 10% of the bulb. 90% by volume and weight of this bulb is plastic and aluminum which otherwise would have life a of 20 years.  As all parts of these bulbs are soldered, screwed, pasted & machine pressed, they cannot be repaired.

LED light technology has been paid off. Lightening a LED bulb is no hidden secret. Companies do not profit from selling White Light LED bulbs. They are just selling Plastic in different shapes, sizes and applications.

No big company would like to introduce GLED as it will further bring down their profit margins. They will in fact go for Global patent of our innovation to stop any other company to produce Reusable LED bulbs. GLED is not an innovation that need technology transfer. It just needs an intention to be sensitive to nature. How one balances between self-profits and alarming global warming. 

We have changed the Structural Design of existing LED bulbs and tubes and named it GLED Reusable Bulb:

For consumers, the reusable bulb has just 2 components,

1. Reusable Plastic Body with embedded Aluminum Heat Sink and Diffuser and

2. Replaceable PCBA-LED-Cartridge.

The Reusable LED bulb’s body has a 5mm by 30mm wide slot for LED cartridge insertion, No human finger can get into it.

Innovative LED bulb’s body has molded B22 or E27 holder. It has its male electrical terminals and molded pre fitted electrical connectors on the inner side of the bulb’s body, which complements and mate to the receptable female electrical connectors on its replaceable PCBA-LED-Cartridge.

The rectangular Replaceable PCBA-LED-Cartridge includes Driver on Board and required embedded LEDs and fits into its corresponding mate able electrical connectors, by simply pushing it through its designated slot. 

For safety concern; the LED cartridge has at one end, its mating electrical connectors, with proper insulation, and at another end there is a plastic grip to hold. These complementary electrical connectors will mate only when the LED cartridge is completely inserted into the bulb’s body, eliminating any chance of accidental electrical contact.

In case the bulb fails, just pull and remove the faulty LED-PCBA-Cartridge, and replace it with a new one, and the bulb is ready.  It does not require any soldering, screws, paste or adhesive.

GLED can be easily assembled manually and does not require costly automation assembly setup and is independent of heavy load of electricity.

Global Social Impact:

The replacement cost of the failed LED bulb, world over will reduce by 75%

1. The target audience of GLED is the entire world. Penetration & adaptation of LED Bulbs among rural & economic weaker section is still a challenge. Cost to replace a failed GLED Bulb equivalent to incandescent bulbs (INR 20-25), this  lowers government's financial burden to sustain 100% LED penetration. This will encourage people to add more light points at their homes & workplace without government or NGO’s help. Enhanced light will eventually keep their eyes healthy, & increase working hours.

2. The unorganized and MSME units producing incandescent bulbs are or will be shut in near future. They are required to invest and add skills to shift to produce LED bulbs. These units will get much benefit, as the assembly of GLED bulbs need fewer assembly steps and there is no technical skill required such as soldering and handling machines etc. They can have high rate of production even with manual assembly setup cost.

3. Replacement under warranty needs only replacement of PCBA-cartridge, which can be done by the retailer.  Thereby cost of warranty and logistics is reduced with an increased customer satisfaction.

Global Environmental Impact:

1. LED bulbs come under WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment). They pose similar E-waste generation problem as that of mobile phones, computers etc. The reusability of the body /shell of bulb will reduce the need of virgin plastic & aluminum required to produce the new bulb for the replacement on the existing light point. Thereby need of plastic & aluminum production will also reduce.

2. Fewer bulbs will be thrown in the garbage, thereby reducing the E-waste generation. Lesser volume of e-waste need less land-fills & save cumbersome recycling process.

3. Reduction in Plastic/Aluminum Use, means lesser production, will reduce the carbon emission, help reduce global warming, & will continue earning carbon credits.

4. This will certainly contribute to the pledge by world leaders towards carbon neutrality

I am a go getter and have geared up to face the market.

I have performed and executed many road shows and street plays on social awareness. I have been an event director and now a secretary of Girl-Up Arohi, a UN led initiative for girls. I have done internships at corporate and have interest in labor laws, POSH and Human Resouces. 

We have faced decently to the physical and online questionnaires and pitched our GLED in easy and presentable way. 

We are not only looking for fund or a business. We are young and prefer recognition of our ability and conscious, than running a business. We have applied for the patent and have answered to the first examination report. We will surrender our patent rights if we get recognition and acceptance of GLED concept by any government or an institution. For us humanity and sensitizing people and industries is more important. 

We voice for " Ban Single Use LED Bulbs and Tubes"

After building many prototypes we got varied performance results. Lastly we finalized to the prototype , which we are presenting. It has a very easy replacement option of the PCBA and its very safe for any human for any burn and electric shock.

We have participated in many exhibitions and competitions. We have received encouraging feedback and people enquired for its availability in the market. 

Some noteworthy achievements of the GLED are as follows.

1. Won the silver medal at 2023 UNESCO -IIDA competition.

2. Won first prize at GIX Innovation, University of Washington

3. Won third prize at VIVO Ignite sustainable projects

4. Won third prize at IIT Bombay E- Summit

5. Exhibited at various school competitions

6. Running for 2023 finalists in MIT CEP and Diamond Challange: University of Delaware.

And many more.

RECOGNITION 

GLED is not an innovation that need technology transfer. It just needs an intention to be sensitive to nature. How one balances between self-profits and alarming global warming.

It is matter of time, all existing LED lightening devices will have a mandatory Reusability feature. The discretion to reuse Failed bulb or not shall be with the buyer. GLED needs just one Global recognition, by a Global Leader and adaptation by Just One Country. The world will soon follow suit and transform into GLED.

GLED need to enter the market. The public already knows the importance of reduced plastic consumption and its implication on Global Warming. They know the rise in frequency of LED bulbs failing and their replacement with new LED bulb is hurting their pockets.

GLED bulb has no competitors as no existing manufacturer are willing to launch reusable LED bulbs as it reduces their profit margins. It has an advantage to have lifelong replacement cost of a failed bulb at just 25% of a new bulb.

The cause of saving plastic consumption is much bigger than any personal profits. The adaptation of GLED and transformation may not favor many industries. We are ready to surrender our patent application for the world to adapt GLED.

Though we are hopeful to bring Government attention to GLED, nevertheless we will start marketing it with our own funds and may the consumer acceptance and demand do the magic.

 IMPLEMENTATION AND COSTS

LED light technology has been paid off. Lightening a LED bulb is no hidden secret. Companies do not profit from selling White Light LED bulbs. They are just selling Plastic in different shapes, sizes and applications.

No big company would like to introduce GLED as it will further bring down their profit margins. They will in fact go for Global patent of our innovation to stop any other company to produce Reusable LED bulbs.

Socially GLED is being appreciated. Once launched, it should be instant hit as it has two reasons to attract customers globally.

1. Lifetime replacement cost of failed LED bulbs at just 25% of its New Bulb. Reduced cost will help millions of people.

2. Customers who are sensitive to environment pollution, increased plastic consumption and global warming will prefer buying GLED reusable bulbs.

Global Social Impact:

1. The target audience of GLED is the entire world. Penetration & adaptation of LED Bulbs among rural & economic weaker section is still a challenge. Cost to replace a failed GLED Bulb equivalent to incandescent bulbs (INR 20-25), this  lowers government's financial burden to sustain 100% LED penetration. This will encourage people to add more light points at their homes & workplace without government or NGO’s help. Enhanced light will eventually keep their eyes healthy, & increase working hours.

2. The unorganized and MSME units producing incandescent bulbs are or will be shut in near future. They are required to invest and add skills to shift to produce LED bulbs. These units will get much benefit, as the assembly of GLED bulbs need fewer assembly steps and there is no technical skill required such as soldering and handling machines etc. They can have high rate of production even with manual assembly setup cost.

3. Replacement under warranty needs only replacement of PCBA-cartridge, which can be done by the retailer.  Thereby cost of warranty and logistics is reduced with an increased customer satisfaction.

Global Environmental Impact:

1. LED bulbs come under WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment). They pose similar E-waste generation problem as that of mobile phones, computers etc. The reusability of the body /shell of bulb will reduce the need of virgin plastic & aluminum required to produce the new bulb for the replacement on the existing light point. Thereby need of plastic & aluminum production will also reduce.

2. Fewer bulbs will be thrown in the garbage, thereby reducing the E-waste generation. Lesser volume of e-waste need less land-fills & save cumbersome recycling process.

3. Reduction in Plastic/Aluminum Use, means lesser production, will reduce the carbon emission, help reduce global warming, & will continue earning carbon credits.

4. This will certainly contribute to the pledge by world leaders towards carbon neutrality

The Target Audience

The target audience for this GLED is the entire world. With penetration and adaptation of LED bulbs among rural and economic weaker section still a challenge, A reusable LED bulb with cost to replacement of failed LED bulbs being equivalent to incandescent bulbs (Rs 10-15), can help governments worldwide lower their financial burden to make the world not only 100% on LED lightening but continued on 100% LED lightening for its low cost of replacement in an event of failed LED bulb.

Who will implement the idea and how

The idea can be implemented as a new product launch.

As the said idea has a global impact, we look forward to the Government of India to adopt the idea. The government of India is leading world in climate betterment, reducing carbon emission. Our Respected Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has pledged at COP26 in Glasgow to make India Carbon Neutral by 2070. India now with the G20 presidency has high responsibility and with the world having trust and faith in India, India can lead the world with initiating a theme of Reusable LED bulbs. The government of India, for climate / environment protection, has banned single use plastic spoon. Similarly there can be a directive in banning the single use LED lightening devices.

The LED bulbs must come with a mandatory option of being reusable. Allowing the consumer to have their discretion to buy the PCBA-cartridge and reusing the Shell / body of the failed bulb or they may buy a new complete LED bulb.

Behavioral principles that will be used in informing the idea

People worldwide are aware of climate change and environmental hazards from over usage of plastic. World is looking forward to, in the most receptive way ever, to adapt to technology and ideas which can bring the carbon emission down. Therefore, the idea of reusable LED bulbs will not be required to be pitched highly. It’s very practical and extremely easy to implement. There is a pre-acceptance, global awareness and will to reduce plastic use. Sometimes a very small idea can bring a big change.

GLED falls under UNSDG 12 and 13

As per reference data, by 2030, about 70 billion LED light points will be active.

Assuming just 50 gm of plastic and aluminum required for each such point we need 3.5 billon kg of plastic and aluminum.

Assuming an average life of 2 years for LED bulbs, we will require at an, yearly production of 1.7 billion kg of plastic and aluminum, just to replace the then LED light points. Needless to say, there will be a growth year on year.

One carbon credit is equal to one metric ton of carbon dioxide.

Every kg of plastic waste in landfills releases about 3 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gas emissions.

Every kg of plastic or aluminum produced releases 6 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gas emissions

1.7 billion kg of plastic as e-waste will produce 5 billion kg of CO2e

1.7 billion kg of fresh plastic produced will generate 10 billion kg of CO2e

A total of at least 15 billion kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gas emissions can be saved by adopting reusability in LED lights.

This is 150 million Tons of CO2e = 150 million carbon credits yearly

GLED works as per UNSDG 12 and 13

It reduces the consumption and production of plastic in LED lightening industry.

One need not be hard driven to use technology, to save / protect our earth. One has to be sensitive towards humanity and nature to sustain human existence.  

The G.LED concept addresses a consequential problem in the LED bulb industry, with environmental degradation and global warming being significant issues affecting communities globally. The potential impact is substantial, given the large-scale production and disposal of LED bulbs. The team's social impact model is designed to be scalable and cost-effective, making it accessible to a broad audience. The replaceable LED cartridge approach aligns with long-lasting and sustainable benefits, reducing e-waste and contributing to environmental conservation. The potential for large, consequential impact is evident, making G.LED a promising venture in terms of social impact.

The G.LED concept demonstrates problem in the LED bulb industry, particularly the environmental concerns and frequent failures. The unique and innovative solution addresses these issues with value proposition for consumers. We have emphasized on safety, affordability, scalability, and sustainability to a financially viable social impact. 

Shreya Chopra student at Amity University studying LAW and

Aditya Raj Chopra student of grade 11th at DPS Indirapuram. 

Advisors are Naveen Chopra who has experience in manufacturing and 

Renu Narang CEO of NTPC India with vast experience in energy / power sector   

Since January 2023

We are still not a company.

We look forward to becoming one soon. shall be incorporating a LLP or private limited company in October 2024

We understand the importance of delegating the job as per one's expertise and let all work in tandem for a common goal.

It is matter of time, all existing LED lightening devices will have a mandatory Reusability feature. The discretion to reuse Failed bulb or not shall be with the buyer. GLED needs just one Global recognition, by a Global Leader and adaptation by Just One Country. The world will soon follow suit and transform into GLED.

GLED need to enter the market. The public already knows the importance of reduced plastic consumption and its implication on Global Warming. They know the rise in frequency of LED bulbs failing and their replacement with new LED bulb is hurting their pockets.

GLED bulb has no competitors. It has an advantage to have lifelong replacement cost of a failed bulb at just 25% of a new bulb.

Scaling up need funds and thereafter its geometrical progression is very likely. We understand the market is too large to compete. Realizing the global warming progression, we have seriously short time to act to control 1.5o rise in global temperature.

The cause of saving plastic consumption is much bigger than any personal profits. The adaptation of GLED and transformation may not favor many industries. We are ready to surrender our patent application for the world to adapt GLED.

Though we are hopeful to bring Government attention to GLED, nevertheless we will start marketing it with our own funds and may the consumer acceptance and demand do the magic.

GLED is not a tech project. It is an initiative, to bring the governments act on to ban single use LED lights. 

Though we have applied for the design and functional patent, but it is not a rocket science which cannot be replicated by others. But we know no existing company will go for reusable LED lights as it only shrinks their profit margins.

Alone we cannot compete the mighty manufacturers in this domain. It is a multibillion-dollar business. We look forward to win and accumulate our prize monies to build our market ready saleable samples. We have won around Rs.1000000/- (USD 12500) so far and have initiated with the production ready sample. 

We are going to incorporate a private limited company in March 2024 and thereafter we will register ourselves as a startup and apply for government and or private funds. We know we need to have seed funds to start a pilot production and sales to get the market response and demand authentication.

The pull sales will give us standing in the market and that will be the time when we can actually tie up with a big company by keeping a minority stake with us and the mighty company can carry on with GLED.