Flexible connection system for standardized LED components and fiber optics

Abstract

The present invention provides a system 1 intended for integration of LED lighting in fiber optic light installations in optical fiber textiles, said system comprising - a LED strip 2; - multiple connection units 3, wherein a connection unit 3 comprises: - a lower connection unit 4 arranged to be fastened to the LED strip 2 - an upper connection part 5 having one connection end 51 arranged to be fixated to the lower connection unit 4, said upper connection unit 5 comprising an open end 52 with a tube unit 53 arranged for including fixated fiber optic threads 6 arranged to be connected to the LED strip 2, wherein the LED strip 2 comprises LEDs 21 intended to match the connection ends 51 of the upper connection parts 5, where said LEDs 21 are an extended geometry possible to fixate into a matching open geometry of the connection ends 51.

Description

[0001]FLEXIBLE CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR STANDARDIZED LED COMPONENTS AND FIBER OPTICS Field of the invention The present invention relates to a flexible connection system for standardized LED components and fiber optics. The present invention concerns the integration of fiber optics and LED lighting systems to create lit up optical fiber light installations, including but not limited to optical fiber textiles. Technical Background Existing methods for integrating light sources with fiber optics are often complex and require specially manufactured components. These methods lead to high production costs and difficulties in maintenance and repairs. One aim of the present invention is to provide a system and method for improving the integration of LED lighting and fiber optics. Summary of the invention The latter stated purpose above is achieved by a system intended for integration of LED lighting in fiber optic light installations in optical fiber textiles, said system comprising - a LED strip; - multiple connection units, wherein a connection unit comprises: - an upper connection part having one connection end arranged to be fixated to the lower connection unit, said upper connection unit comprising an open end with a tube unit arranged for including fixated fiber optic threads arranged to be connected to the LED strip; and - a lower connection unit arranged to be fastened around the LED strip, preferably clipping on to the upper connection, wherein the LED strip comprises LEDs intended to match the connection ends of the upper connection parts, where said LEDs are an extended geometry possible to fixate into a matching open geometry of the connection ends. The present invention relates to a flexible system and method for improving the integration of LED lighting in fiber optic textiles. The system uses two flexible plastic connectors that allow quick and easy connection of a variety of standardized LED strips to fiber optic threads, promoting modular use and maintenance. (see fig.2) Specific embodiments of the invention Below there is provided some specific embodiments of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple connection units are 3D-printed. In this regard it should be noted that this is one alternative according to the present invention. Another technology possible to use is injection molding. According to yet another embodiment, the LED strip comprises connection portions intended to match the connection ends of the upper connection parts, preferably by said connection portions being an extended geometry possible to fixate into a matching open geometry of the connection ends. One example is shown in fig.1. According to yet another embodiment, the lower connection unit is a clip which may be arranged around the LED strip and to fixate the upper connection part being clicked into the lower connection unit, to organize the connection unit onto the LED strip in a fixated arrangement. The connections according to the present invention are designed with specific geometry that fits securely over each individual LED. As said, the connection units consist of two main parts. The upper connection unit has a tube that may be glued to the fiber optics, and a rectangular cap that matches the exact size of the LED component on the strip. The lower unit suitably is a clamp that snaps around the LED strip and clicks into the upper unit, thereby fastening the fiber optics perpendicularly to the LED component. Again, one example is shown in fig.1. The connections allow light from the LED strips to be efficiently transferred to the fiber optic threads. The modular design makes it easy to attach, detach, and replace the LED strips. The present invention can be used in a wide range of applications, from interior design to safety signage. Additionally, it offers exciting possibilities in fashion, creating dynamic clothing and accessories, and in the automotive industry for innovative vehicle interior lighting. Its versatility also extends to event design and advertising, where it can be used for eye- catching, changeable displays, decorations and artworks. Moreover, the proposed system according to the present invention offers a range of advantages over previous technology, including ease of assembly, cost-effectiveness, and increased flexibility in design and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixated fiber optic threads are arranged overlapping to one another. Alternatives here may be seen in figs.2 and 3. According to yet another embodiment, fixated fiber optic threads extending from one connection units are mixed with fixated fiber optic threads extending from at least one adjacent connection units, preferably intermediate connection units have fixated fiber optic threads being mixed with fiber optic threads extending from both adjacent connection units. Reference is made to fig.3 for one such alternative. According to one embodiment, a selvedge of a produced optical fiber textile is unraveled, so that the fiber optic threads are revealed. The present invention also refers to an optical fiber textile comprising a system according to the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention also refers to a method for producing an optical fiber textile according to the present invention. According to one embodiment thereof, said method comprises: - sorting fiber optic threads where edges of each section is mixed with the next, for providing sorted bundles; - gluing the sorted bundles of the fiber optic threads into a lead-in tube, preferably by using epoxy glue; and - the lead-in tube and incorporated fiber optic threads are cut proving a clean cut, preferably by using a heated scalpel (hot knife) or cutting tool; and - gluing the lead-in tube into the tube unit. Reference can be made to figs.3-5. First, the textile is machine woven with fiber optic thread in the weft. The selvedge is undone to reveal the ends of the fiber optics. The fiber optics are then sorted, with the edges of each section mixed with the next. The purpose of this sorting is to make the edges of the pixels in the fabric less distinct, to allow for smooth gradients between pixels, i.e. to provide fading between nearby pixels to erase sharp edges. From fig.3 one may see sorted fiber optics, and notice how the boundary between two pixels are blended, creating a fading. Then sorted bundles of fiber optics are glued with epoxy into a plastic tube, and the plastic tube and fibers are cut with a heated scalpel, creating a clean cut that does not reduce brightness of the light (see fig.4 and 5). The tube is then glued into the top buckle, i.e. the lead-in tube is glued into the tube unit. Detailed description of the drawings In fig.1 there is provided an assembly on a LED strip, e.g. with SMD5050 LED. To the left is the lower clamp and to the right is the upper part that attaches to the fiber optics. As shown, the system 1 (see an example in fig.2) comprises a LED strip 2 and multiple connection units 3. In fig.1 there is provided an example of one connection unit 3. The connection unit 3 comprises a lower connection unit 4 arranged to be fastened to the LED strip (2) and an upper connection part 5. The upper connection part 5 has one connection end 51 arranged to be fixated to the lower connection unit 4, said upper connection unit 5 comprising an open end 52 with a tube unit 53 arranged for including fixated fiber optic threads 6 arranged to be connected to the LED strip 2. Moreover, the LED strip 2 comprises surface mounted LEDs 21 (e.g. SMD5050) intended to match the connection ends 51 of the upper connection parts 5. In this case said connection portions 21 have an extended geometry possible to fixate into a matching open geometry of the connection ends 51. Furthermore, in this case the lower connection unit 4 is a clip which may be arranged around the LED strip and to fixate the upper connection part 5 being clicked into lower connection unit 4. Furthermore, it may be noted that the lower connection unit 4 may be provided with one or more grooves 48, suitably two such grooves 48 on opposites sides, that match one or more wings 58 on the upper connection part 5 (see in fig.1). This is suitable to lock the lower connection unit 4 and the upper connection part 5 to one another in a secure way. In fig.2 there is shown one embodiment of a system 1 according to the present invention. The system 1 comprises a LED strip 2 with 9 SMD5050 LED pixels, with the connection units 3, in this case 3D-printed, mounted to the LED strip 2 and fiber optics. In fig.3 there is shown one embodiment where fixated fiber optic threads extending from one connection units are mixed with fixated fiber optic threads extending from at least one adjacent connection units, in this case intermediate connection units have fixated fiber optic threads being mixed with fiber optic threads extending from both adjacent connection units. Furthermore, fig.4 and 5 relate to showing part of a production method according to one embodiment of the present invention, in this case regarding the gluing step, cutting step and step for bringing units together. This is explained above.

Claims

Claims 1. A system (1) intended for integration of LED lighting in fiber optic light installations in optical fiber textiles, said system comprising - a LED strip (2); - multiple connection units (3), wherein a connection unit (3) comprises: - a lower connection unit (4) arranged to be fastened around the LED strip (2); and - an upper connection part (5) having one connection end (51) arranged to be fixated to the lower connection unit (4), said upper connection unit (5) comprising an open end (52) with a tube unit (53) arranged for including fixated fiber optic threads (6) arranged to be connected to the LED strip (2), wherein the LED strip (2) comprises LEDs (21) intended to match the connection ends (51) of the upper connection parts (5), where said LEDs (21) are an extended geometry possible to fixate into a matching open geometry of the connection ends (51).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the multiple connection units (3) are 3D-printed.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower connection unit (4) is a clip which may be arranged around the LED strip and to fixate the upper connection part (5) being clicked into the lower connection unit (4), to organize the connection unit (3) onto the LED strip (2) in a fixated arrangement.

4. The system (1) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the fixated fiber optic threads (6) are arranged overlapping to one another.

5. The system (1) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein fixated fiber optic threads (6) extending from one connection units (3) are mixed with fixated fiber optic threads (6) extending from at least one adjacent connection units(3), preferably intermediate connection units (3) have fixated fiber optic threads (6) being mixed with fiber optic threads (6) extending from both adjacent connection units (3).

6. The system (1) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein a selvedge of a produced optical fiber textile is unraveled, so that the fiber optic threads (6) are revealed.

7. An optical fiber textile comprising a system according to any of claims 1-6.

8. A method for producing an optical fiber textile according to any of claims 1- 6.

9. The method for producing an optical fiber textile according to claim 8, said method comprising: - sorting fiber optic threads (6) where edges of each section is mixed with the next, for providing sorted bundles; - gluing the sorted bundles of the fiber optic threads (6) into a lead-in tube, preferably by using epoxy glue; and - the lead-in tube and incorporated fiber optic threads (6) are cut proving a clean cut, preferably by using a heated scalpel or cutting tool; and - gluing the lead-in tube into the tube unit (53).

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