Cupped End Cap for Flexible LED Support Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end caps for LED supports face hazards due to live electrical sockets, require specific socket designs, and are limited by fixed socket positions in fluorescent lamp cabinets, making them unsafe and inflexible for use in various configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cupped end cap design with a support-mating portion for LED supports and a cabinet-contacting portion featuring a cup section that can contact the cabinet at any location, allowing for flexible placement and avoiding engagement with fluorescent sockets, and an optional spring mechanism for secure frictional retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end cap is designed to fit into the fluorescent socket, then the LED support can be mechanically supported and electrically powered, but the operation becomes hazardous due to live electrical sockets and the design becomes limited to specific socket types and fixed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the mechanical support function. The end cap is redesigned to mate with the LED support without requiring insertion into the fluorescent socket. The electrical power is provided through the LED support's own power source, completely separating the mechanical mounting function from the electrical power function, thereby eliminating the hazard of contacting live sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functions of mechanical support and electrical power into separate components. The end cap provides only mechanical support by mating with the LED support, while the electrical power is supplied independently through the LED support's integrated power source, eliminating the need to engage with electrical sockets.
2Reliability
If the end cap is designed to fit into a specific type of fluorescent socket, then the LED support can be securely mounted, but the adaptability to different socket types and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mounting solution where the end cap mates with the LED support in a socket-type-independent manner. The cup section can be positioned at various locations on the LED support, and the protruding portion engages with corresponding features on the LED support regardless of the original fluorescent socket type, making the system adaptable to different configurations.
3Device complexity
If the LED support position is fixed by the socket locations, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the placement flexibility in the lamp cabinet is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the LED support from the constraint of fixed socket positions. By providing power through the LED support's own power source rather than through fixed electrical sockets, the system gains placement flexibility while maintaining electrical connection simplicity through the integrated power design.
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
Enables safe and flexible mounting of LED supports in sign cabinets, accommodating various socket types and configurations, reducing hazards and enhancing placement options without requiring specific socket designs.
Implementation Method 1
an optional spring mechanism for secure frictional retention
Data Source
AI summary
An end cap for mounting an LED support in a sign cabinet comprises a support-mating portion for mating with an LED support, the support-mating portion including a hollow portion into which an LED support can be inserted and a protruding portion that protrudes into the LED support; and a cabinet-contacting portion opposite to the support-mating portion, the cabinet-contacting portion including a cup section for contacting the cabinet and supporting the end cap and LED support within the cabinet.