Edge-Mount Light Pipe for PCBs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space and clearance constraints in electronic equipment assemblies make it challenging to mount conventional light pipes on printed circuit boards (PCBs) effectively, especially when components like heat sinks reduce vertical access to LEDs.
Innovation Solution
A light pipe device with a substantially U-shaped base and leg portions that attach to the edge of a substrate, allowing for secure clipping and alignment of light pipes over LEDs, enabling efficient light transmission to a faceplate while accommodating tight space conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional light pipe is mounted on a PCB using mounting pins pressed into holes, then the light pipe can be securely attached, but it becomes difficult to mount when space and clearance constraints exist, especially with obstructing components like heat sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe device transitions from conventional through-hole mounting (vertical dimension) to edge mounting (horizontal dimension along the PCB edge). The U-shaped base with leg portions allows the light pipe to be mounted at the edge of the PCB, bypassing vertical clearance constraints imposed by heat sinks and other components, while maintaining secure attachment through the substrate between the leg portions.
2Reliability
If mounting pins are pressed into holes in the PCB to secure the light pipe, then reliable attachment is achieved, but vertical access to LEDs is blocked by components like heat sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The device relocates the mounting function from the vertical dimension (through-hole mounting requiring vertical access) to the horizontal dimension (edge mounting along the PCB perimeter). This dimensional shift allows the light pipe to be securely attached at the edge without requiring vertical clearance that would be blocked by heat sinks positioned over the PCB surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a straight light pipe is used where the PCB is parallel to the faceplate, then simple geometry is achieved, but it cannot accommodate perpendicular PCB and faceplate configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe device is segmented into a U-shaped base portion and an extending light pipe portion. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component: the base provides adaptable mounting geometry (U-shaped for parallel configurations, L-shaped for perpendicular configurations) while the light pipe portion maintains its light transmission function. The segmented design enables configuration flexibility without compromising the core light transmission capability.
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
Facilitates secure and efficient mounting of light pipes on PCBs in constrained spaces, ensuring effective light transmission to the faceplate, even in assemblies with obstructing components like heat sinks, enhancing visibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The principle of total internal reflection or 'TIR' enables the light pipe to transmit light along its length
Data Source
AI summary
A light pipe device may have a substantially U-shaped base with first and second leg portions. One or more light pipes may extend from one or both of the leg portions. The light pipe device may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) by clipping the U-shaped based onto an edge of the PCB.