Construction Element Sandwich Structure for LED Data Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating electronic components like LEDs into construction elements, such as ceiling panels, are costly and require extensive cabling for data transmission, lacking efficient control and thermal management.

Innovation Solution

A sandwich structure with electrically conducting front and rear layers separated by an insulating layer, incorporating a circuit board between the electronic component and the rear layer for thermal management and data transmission via Direct Current Power Line Communication (DC PLC), allowing for flexible component placement and reduced cabling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If electronic components are integrated into construction elements using prior art methods, then the construction elements can emit light, but extensive cabling is required for data transmission increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of electronic componentsVSAvoidcabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single electrical connection between the electronic component and the sandwich structure. The sandwich structure serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support and enabling both power supply and data transmission through its conducting layers, eliminating the need for separate data cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sandwich structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, power transmission, and data communication. The front and rear conducting layers are configured to carry both electrical power and data signals, making the structure universal and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If electronic components are integrated into construction elements, then light emission functionality is achieved, but thermal management becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of electronic componentsVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board serves as an intermediary thermal management component between the electronic component and the rear conducting layer. It provides a dedicated thermal pathway that conducts heat away from the electronic component to the rear layer, which acts as a heat sink, without interfering with the electrical and data connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If extensive cabling is used for data transmission to electronic components, then reliable data communication is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidcabling material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data transmission with the existing power supply infrastructure. The same electrical connection that provides power to the electronic component also carries data signals bidirectionally, eliminating the need for additional data cables and reducing material quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If separate data cables are provided for each electronic component, then individual control is achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of electronic componentsVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sandwich structure provides a universal interface that handles both power and data for multiple electronic components through a single connection system. Each component communicates with the control system via the shared sandwich structure infrastructure, simplifying installation while maintaining individual control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances the durability and performance of electronic components by effective heat dissipation and simplifies data transmission, reducing costs and cabling complexity while enabling control of multiple components through a central controller.

Implementation Method 1

the first electrical terminal is in electrical connection with the electrically conducting front layer, and the second electrical terminal is in electrical connection with the electrically conducting rear layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an electrically insulating layer and at least two electrically conducting layers, which comprises an electrically conducting front layer and an electrically conducting rear layer which are spaced apart by an electrically insulating layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

By positioning the circuit board between the electrical component and the electrically conducting rear layer it is possible to obtain a good thermal connection to a heat sink of the electrical component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3553375B1Construction element with at least one electronic component and associated method
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 LED IBOND INT APS
  • EP3553375B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3553375B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3553375B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of transmitting data to an electronic component (3) comprised by a construction element (100) comprising: providing a sandwich structure comprising an electrically insulating layer (11) and at least two electrically conducting layers, which comprises an electrically conducting front layer (12) and an electrically conducting rear layer (13) which are spaced apart by the electrically insulating layer (11), providing a circuit board (2) for transmission of data between an electronic component (3) and the electrically conducting rear layer (13), positioning the electronic component on the circuit board (2), providing the electronic component with a first and a second electrical terminal, connecting the first electrical terminal with the electrically conducting front layer (12), connecting the second electrical terminal with the electrically conducting rear layer (13), and transmitting a data signal via the electrically conducting front layer and/or the electrically conducting rear layer by means of Direct Current Power Line Communication (DC PLC).