Flexible LED Strip with Conical Collimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED strips emit light in a single direction, increasing manufacturing costs when attempting to emit light in multiple directions, and lack collimated light emission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A flexible LED strip with a light-reflective mounting surface forming conical structures, allowing a subset of LEDs to be positioned inside these structures for collimated light emission, which can be directed and controlled without additional components, and featuring bendable flap portions to create conical structures without altering the strip's outer contour.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are mounted on both sides of the PCB to enable multi-directional light emission, then light emission in different directions is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by forming conical structures that protrude from the PCB surface, allowing LEDs to emit light in multiple directions (including upward, downward, and lateral directions) while maintaining a single-sided mounting configuration. This dimensional approach enables multi-directional illumination without the complexity and cost of mounting LEDs on both sides of the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the lighting function into multiple conical structures, each containing one or more LEDs and oriented to emit light in specific directions. This segmentation allows different regions of the PCB to serve different lighting purposes, achieving multi-directional emission through spatial distribution rather than dual-sided mounting.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional LED strips are used, then manufacturing is simple, but collimated light emission cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conical structures with curved surfaces to collimate light from LEDs. The conical geometry naturally focuses and directs light rays, achieving collimated emission without requiring additional optical components such as lenses or reflectors. This geometric approach simplifies the overall device structure while delivering the desired illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical structures are integrated directly into the PCB design, making the PCB itself serve the dual function of electrical connection and optical collimation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate collimating components, reducing device complexity while achieving the desired light emission characteristics.
3Illumination intensity
If additional components are added to achieve collimated light emission, then collimation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and the optical collimation function into a single integrated component - the conical structure formed by the PCB itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and collimating optics, reducing both component count and overall device complexity while maintaining effective collimated light emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support for the LEDs, direct light in specific directions, and collimate the emitted light. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device design and reducing costs.
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 cost-effective, directional light emission with improved collimation, allowing for beam shaping and decorative lighting patterns without increasing manufacturing costs or requiring additional components.
Implementation Method 1
the LED mounting surface is light reflective
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an LED strip, comprising a plurality of LEDs mounted on a LED mounting surface of a flat, flexible substrate, wherein said LED mounting surface is light reflective, wherein said flexible substrate is shaped to form at least one conical structure, and wherein a subset of said plurality of LEDs is located inside at least one of the at least one conical structure.