Flexible LED Pad Ribbon Cable Connectors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current phototherapy systems using LEDs face reliability and performance issues due to dislocated LEDs, broken connectors and wires, parasitic resistance, and noise, leading to inconsistent and ineffective treatment delivery.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates ribbon cables with low-profile socket-plug connectors to eliminate solder connections and stress on wires, using strain relief to secure cables, and shielding to manage noise, with flexible polymeric materials and robust connectors to ensure consistent LED pad performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional solder connections and wire attachments are used in LED pads, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to breakage from bending and manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidstrength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical solder connections and wire attachments with a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) system. The FPC uses flexible conductive traces printed on a flexible substrate, eliminating the need for rigid solder joints and wire connections that are prone to breakage during bending and manipulation of the LED pad.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as a thin, flexible conductive structure. The FPC can bend and flex with the LED pad without causing connection failures, replacing traditional rigid wiring and solder joints with a flexible film-based conductive system that maintains electrical connectivity during deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid connectors are used to ensure stable electrical connections, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when the LED pad needs to be bent or shaped

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that can be bent and shaped to fit various applications while maintaining stable electrical connections. The flexible nature of the FPC allows the LED pad to be adapted to different surfaces and configurations without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the flexible circuit board can adapt its shape and position during use. The FPC maintains electrical connectivity through its flexible traces that can deform elastically, allowing the LED pad to be manipulated into different configurations while preserving connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If extensive wiring and connectors are used to link LED components, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but device complexity increases leading to more potential failure points

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplexityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate wiring and connector functions into a single integrated flexible printed circuit board (FPC). The FPC contains multiple conductive traces that provide electrical connectivity to various LED components simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate wires and connectors for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connectivity, mechanical support, and structural integration for the LED components. The FPC acts as a universal platform that combines what would otherwise require separate wiring harnesses, connectors, and mounting structures.

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 design enhances the reliability and consistency of LED pads by preventing breakage and ensuring uniform light delivery, improving treatment efficacy and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

an LED driver 1 controlling and driving LEDs as a source of photons 3 emanated from LED pad 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the absorption spectra of deoxygenated hemoglobin shown by curve 44b and also the absorption spectra of oxygenated hemoglobin shown by curve 44a, i.e. blood, strongly absorb light in the red portion of the visible spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9895550B2Flexible LED light pad for phototherapy

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 APPLIED BIOPHOTONICS LTD

AI summary

In a flexible LED pad for use in phototherapy treatment of humans or animals, the PCBs in the pad are securely linked together with electrical connectors and ribbon cables to prevent the connections from being broken as the flexible pad is bent or otherwise deformed during the treatment. In one embodiment, low-profile socket connectors are mounted to the PCBs and mate with plug connectors at the ends of the ribbon cables. For similar reasons, the LED pad may be connected to an LED control unit by means of an electrical connector (e.g. a USB socket) mounted to a PCB in the LED pad. The PCBs, on which the LEDs are mounted, are fitted into a downset in the flexible pad to prevent the LEDs from becoming misaligned with openings in the flexible pad.