Elongate PCB Indicator Layout for Precise Light Strip Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing elongate substrates, such as light strips, are inefficient in identifying specific locations for segmentation or bending, particularly after co-extrusion, leading to difficulties in separating individual units and potential damage if incorrect cutting occurs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an elongate printed circuit substrate arrangement that includes a row of electrical units and an indicator unit with a wireless power receiver to identify locations for processing, such as segmentation or bending, using electromagnetic power transfer to actuate an indicator element like a lighting element or RFID tag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the light strip is made longer than 50 meters to increase productivity and reduce silica gel waste, then productivity is improved and material waste is reduced, but it becomes difficult to identify the joint position of adjacent light strips for separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating identifiable joint markers into the light strip assembly before the separation process. These markers (such as reflective elements, colored sections, or RFID tags) are pre-positioned at the joint locations between adjacent light strips, enabling easy identification during subsequent separation operations. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual inspection or testing to locate joint positions, thereby maintaining high productivity while solving the detection difficulty.
2Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to identify joint positions by powering up light strip controllers to light up start or end points, then location identification is possible, but the process is inefficient and does not work if a light strip is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification system that uses passive markers (such as reflective tape, colored sections, or RFID tags) placed at joint positions, rather than relying on the active light strip controllers. These markers can be detected without powering up the light strips, allowing for rapid visual or automated detection of joint locations. This intermediary system works even if the light strip electronics are damaged, significantly improving both ease of operation and productivity during the separation process.
3Productivity
If the indicator unit uses wireless power transfer to actuate the indicator element, then the electrical units do not need to be powered for location identification, but additional wireless power receiver components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or low-cost wireless power receiver components and indicator elements (such as simple LEDs or reflective markers) that are integrated into the light strip assembly. These components are designed to be inexpensive and single-use for their identification purpose, eliminating the need for complex, expensive, or reusable wireless power systems. The simplicity of these components offsets the added device complexity by enabling rapid, automated identification processes that significantly improve manufacturing efficiency.
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 accurate and efficient identification of locations for further processing, improving productivity and reducing waste by allowing precise separation and bending of elongate substrates without powering the electrical units, thus enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power receiver for wirelessly receiving power for actuating the indicator element
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device has an elongate printed circuit substrate arrangement and a row of electrical units on the elongate printed circuit substrate arrangement. An indicator unit is wireless powered for identifying a particular location of the elongate printed circuit substrate arrangement. This identification is used for identifying the correct location for subsequent processing of the device during manufacture.