Conductive End Cap With Rotating Swivel For LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear lighting apparatuses face challenges with current delivery mechanisms, including difficulty in repositioning or maintaining the apparatus due to permanent wire coupling, which can lead to damage and reduced mobility, and complex, time-consuming installation processes that expose sensitive LED elements to risk.
Innovation Solution
A conductive end cap design that allows external wire coupling without internal installation, featuring a rotating swivel feature and friction fit mechanisms to provide power to LED strips while maintaining a sealed system, enabling easier installation, repositioning, and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire is permanently coupled or soldered to the LED element, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the apparatus becomes difficult to remove or readjust and the wire may break or short circuit over time
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is divided into separate components: an external wire with connector and an internal contact terminal. This segmentation allows the wire to be connected and disconnected without damaging the LED element, resolving the contradiction between reliable connection and ease of repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent solder joint to a dynamic plugable connection. The wire can be inserted, removed, and repositioned as needed, while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the connector and terminal interface.
2Reliability
If a static wire is permanently coupled to an LED strip, then stable electrical supply is provided, but frequent rotation of the apparatus leads to wire break or short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the wire from the LED strip and using a connector interface, the wire is no longer rigidly attached to a rotating component. The wire remains stationary while the apparatus rotates, preventing wire breakage and extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary between the stationary wire and the rotating LED strip. It allows electrical connection while accommodating relative motion, preventing the wire from being damaged by rotation.
3Ease of manufacture
If an external wire is introduced into the interior of the linear lighting apparatus, then current can be provided to the LED element, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring access to the interior
Solution Approach 1:
The wire introduction process is simplified by extracting the connection interface to the exterior of the apparatus. The wire connects to an external terminal rather than requiring interior access, dramatically reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED strip is pre-equipped with external contact terminals during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows for quick field installation by simply plugging in the wire, eliminating the need for complex interior wiring work during installation.
4Ease of repair
If the linear lighting apparatus is opened for maintenance, then the LED element can be accessed, but the permanent coupling requires time-consuming removal that can damage the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the wire and LED element through external connection allows the LED strip to be removed and replaced without dealing with soldered wire attachments. Maintenance becomes simpler and faster, reducing both time and damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The design facilitates easy replacement of the LED strip as a modular unit. The temporary nature of the plugable connection allows for quick swap-out of the LED element during maintenance without permanent attachment concerns.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies installation and maintenance, reduces the risk of damage to LED elements, and allows for greater mobility of the lighting apparatus by eliminating static wire constraints, while minimizing components and potential malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a conducting shaft extending through the first orifice and protruding from the exterior side of the cap, such that the shaft may rotate about its central axis within the first orifice
Implementation Method 2
a static conductive element protruding from the interior side of the cap so as to provide a conductive terminal for a lighting element located within the linear lighting apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive end cap for a linear lighting apparatus is disclosed. The first embodiment of the present invention comprises, among other things, an insulating cap for one end of the linear lighting apparatus, the cap including a first orifice extending from the exterior side of the cap to the interior side of the cap and a conducting shaft extending through the first orifice and protruding from the exterior side of the cap, such that the shaft may rotate about its central axis within the first orifice. The conductive end cap also includes a second orifice extending perpendicularly through a portion of the shaft for accepting a conductive line and a static conductive element protruding from the interior side of the cap so as to provide a conductive terminal for a lighting element located within the linear lighting apparatus.