Elastic Grip Electrical Connector for Tape LED Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual soldering of tape-like LED lamps is inconvenient, inefficient, and results in unreliable connections, making it difficult to connect these devices to wires or other lamps, and complicates maintenance.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connector with an insulation body and a contact featuring elastic gripping portions that securely connect tape-like LED lamps and wires without the need for manual soldering, using a design with receiving slots and elastic locking mechanisms to ensure reliable electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual soldering is used to connect tape-like LED lamps, then electrical connection can be achieved, but the connection process becomes complicated and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual soldering process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical insertion system. The connector uses receiving slots and elastic gripping portions that mechanically clamp the conductive adhesive tape, eliminating the need for soldering irons, flux, and heating processes while achieving reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic gripping portions automatically clamp the conductive adhesive tape when inserted into the receiving slots, creating a self-securing connection. The elastic deformation of the gripping portions provides automatic retention force, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual soldering is used to connect tape-like LED lamps, then electrical connection can be established, but connection efficiency decreases due to complicated procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoldering qualityVSAvoidconnection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is pre-configured with receiving slots and elastic gripping portions positioned to automatically engage the conductive adhesive tape. The elastic gripping portions are pre-loaded with retention force, so that upon insertion, the connection is immediately secured without requiring additional steps or operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into distinct functional components: the insulation body providing structural support and electrical isolation, the receiving slots defining insertion paths, and the elastic gripping portions providing clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, streamlining the overall connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If manual soldering is used to connect tape-like LED lamps, then electrical connection is achieved, but maintenance becomes difficult due to unreliable connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic gripping portions provide a dynamic connection that can accommodate minor movements and thermal expansion of the conductive adhesive tape. The elastic deformation allows the connection to self-adjust and maintain contact pressure, ensuring reliable electrical connection under varying conditions and reducing the need for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If special tools and power supply are needed for manual soldering, then electrical connection can be made, but convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoldering qualityVSAvoidconnection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the soldering system (requiring soldering iron, power supply, flux) with a pure mechanical insertion system. The connector uses the elastic deformation of the gripping portions to provide clamping force, eliminating all thermal processes and specialized tools, making the connection process as simple as inserting and securing the component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The electrical connector simplifies the connection process, enhances connection reliability, and facilitates easier maintenance by providing a secure and efficient method to link tape-like LED lamps and wires without the complexities of manual soldering.

Implementation Method 1

The contact is received in the insulation body and includes a first elastic gripping portion adjacent to the first side of the insulation body and a second elastic gripping portion adjacent to the second side of the insulation body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9577381B2Electrical connector

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector includes an insulation body and a contact. The insulation body includes a first side and a second side positioned opposite to the first side. The contact is received in the insulation body and includes a first elastic gripping portion adjacent to the first side of the insulation body and a second elastic gripping portion adjacent to the second side of the insulation body.