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| (Source: TMC) |
SK Hynix and TMC, a Cheonan-based manufacturer specializing in marine and optical communication cables, have jointly filed a Korean patent titled "Power Supply Device Module Type Lighting Equipment" (KR2831811).
The two companies filed the patent in April 2024 and secured registration in July 2025 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Because patents in Korea are generally disclosed 18 months after filing, the early registration indicates that the companies accelerated the process to finalize ownership and publication. This marks the first collaboration between SK Hynix and TMC on a patent filing.
The patent describes a modular lighting fixture design in which a power supply unit (PSU) — such as an LED driver — can be inserted or removed via a sliding mechanism, eliminating the need for screws or soldering. The module uses elastic fastening components that allow for easy replacement, simplified maintenance, and reduced downtime.
Although the invention is rooted in lighting equipment technology and appears unrelated to SK Hynix's core semiconductor business, it could be applied in cleanroom environments used for chip manufacturing. The modular PSU design allows for rapid, non-disruptive lighting maintenance, while minimizing heat loss and reducing contamination and electrostatic discharge risks within cleanrooms.
TMC, best known for its marine, shipboard, and optical communication cables, reported ₩376 billion ($273 million) in revenue and ₩11 billion ($8 million) in operating profit in 2024.
By PatenTrip
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