Conductive Trace Matrix for Printed Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of printed products with embedded illuminants is cost-intensive due to the need for a separate electronic circuit for each arrangement of illuminants, limiting manufacturing simplicity and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A conductor track matrix is used on a flat carrier, with illuminants connected at crossing points, allowing flexible positioning and universal adaptability, enabling cost-effective production by using conductive ink and a control device for power supply management, and a cover layer for enhanced optical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate electronic circuit is designed and manufactured for each arrangement of light sources, then the light sources can be precisely controlled according to design requirements, but the manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a universal conductor track matrix that can serve multiple different light source arrangements. Instead of designing separate circuits for each layout, a single matrix structure with row and column conductors can accommodate various LED patterns by simply selecting different intersection points, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precise control over light source positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor track system is segmented into independent row conductors and column conductors that intersect to form a matrix. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of light sources at any intersection point without requiring custom circuit designs, enabling standardized manufacturing processes while accommodating diverse design requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate electronic circuit is designed and manufactured for each arrangement of light sources, then the light source control is optimized for specific designs, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal conductor track matrix serves multiple design configurations, allowing a single standardized circuit board to support various light source arrangements. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate circuits for each design, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining precise control over light source positioning through selective activation of matrix intersections
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of light source patterns by changing which intersection points are activated, rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of circuits. This parameter-based control enables cost-effective mass production of standardized matrices that can be programmed for different designs
3Manufacturing precision
If adhesive is applied between substrate and cover layer, then the positioning precision of light sources is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the substrate and cover layer to precisely position and secure the light sources at conductor track intersections. This simple adhesive bonding approach achieves accurate positioning without requiring complex mechanical fixtures or multi-step alignment procedures, thereby improving precision while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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
This approach results in a cost-effective, stable, and flexible printed product with improved manufacturing simplicity, allowing for adaptable lighting patterns and reduced production costs, while maintaining high visual interplay between light sources and print.
Implementation Method 1
several light sources electrically connected to the power source via the conductive tracks
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive is used between the substrate and the cover layer to create a bonded connection
Implementation Method 3
the cover layer is bonded to the light sources using a light-conducting adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A printed product (1), in particular a folder or illustrated card, is shown, comprising a power source (5), a flat substrate (2), conductive traces (4) provided on at least one first flat side (3) of the substrate (2), several light sources (6) electrically connected to the power source (5) via the conductive traces (4), and a cover layer (14) provided on the first flat side (3) of the substrate (2) over the light sources (6), which has a print (19) and is at least partially transparent or translucent for optical interaction between the light sources (6) and the print (19). In order to create a cost-effective printed product (1), it is proposed that the conductive traces (4) on the substrate (2) be arranged at least partially in the form of a conductive trace matrix (9.1, 9.1).2) are arranged from electrically insulated series (7) and column conductor tracks (8), wherein in the area of at least one intersection point (10) of a series and column conductor track (7, 8) the light source (6) is electrically connected to the conductor track matrix (9.1, 9.2).