Flexible LED Light Strip Power Buses and Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible LED light strips are limited in length due to significant voltage drop along their traces, requiring additional power sources for lengths exceeding 35 feet and are time-consuming to install due to soldering requirements.
Innovation Solution
A flexible LED light strip system with a protective covering, power buses, and connectors that allow for extended length by using a power coupler with prongs to electrically contact the power buses, eliminating the need for soldering and reducing voltage drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flexible LED light strips use narrow traces to maintain flexibility, then the light strip remains flexible and easy to install, but significant voltage drop occurs along the traces limiting the usable length to approximately 35 feet
Solution Approach 1:
The light strip is divided into multiple 35-foot segments, each with its own power injection point. This allows the overall system to achieve lengths exceeding 35 feet by connecting multiple segments together, with each segment maintaining optimal trace performance while the system as a whole achieves extended length through modular segmentation.
2Length of moving object
If conventional flexible LED light strips are extended beyond 35 feet, then the length requirement is met, but additional power sources and soldering connections are required increasing installation complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
Power injection points and connector interfaces are pre-configured at predetermined intervals along the light strip during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for field soldering and complex electrical connections during installation, as users simply need to connect pre-configured segments together, dramatically reducing installation time and complexity while enabling extended lengths.
3Reliability
If conventional flexible LED light strips require soldering for connections, then electrical connections can be made, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized skills
Solution Approach 1:
Pre-configured connector interfaces act as intermediaries between light strip segments, replacing the need for direct soldering connections. These connectors provide reliable electrical contact while being much easier to install, allowing users without specialized soldering skills to achieve dependable electrical connections between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The soldering process (a complex mechanical/electrical joining method) is replaced with simpler mechanical connector interfaces. This substitution maintains electrical reliability while dramatically simplifying the installation process, making it accessible to users without specialized skills and reducing installation time.
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 longer usable lengths without voltage drop and simplifies installation by eliminating the need for soldering, allowing for easier extension and connection of flexible LED light strips.
Implementation Method 1
a first power bus and a second power bus within the protective covering... electrically connecting the light strip to the power buses at selected lengths
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED) attached along the front surface of the flexible strip and electrically connected to the conductive traces
Implementation Method 3
light-emitting diodes (LED) attached along the front surface... The LEDs may emit the same light or may change colors
Data Source
AI summary
An extended length flexible LED light strip system for extending the length of a flexible LED light strip. The extended length flexible LED light strip system generally includes a protective covering having a passage, a light strip extending within the passage of the protective covering, a first power bus and a second power bus within the protective covering, and a plurality of connectors electrically connecting the light strip to the power buses at selected lengths. A power coupler is provided that includes a pair of prongs that extend into the protective covering and electrically contact the power buses to provide DC power to the power buses.