Flexible LED Trim for Glare Concealment and Even Light Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED strip light solutions lack a simple, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing way to house and conceal direct glare while providing a consistent glow effect, often requiring complex multi-part systems or additional construction for bulkheads and covings.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece flexible trim device made of rubber or silicone material that houses and conceals LED strip lights, diffuses glare, and enhances the glow effect by projecting light onto adjacent surfaces, with a built-in adhesive for easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED strip lights are used for versatile lighting applications, then flexibility and energy efficiency are improved, but direct glare from LED dots and lines and exposed fixtures create aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddirect glare
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a trim device as an intermediary component between the LED strip light and the environment. This trim device houses the LED strip and diffuses the direct glare through its structure, allowing the beneficial LED lighting properties to be maintained while eliminating the harmful glare effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The trim device is constructed from flexible rubber or silicone material that can be bent and shaped to conform to various installation surfaces. This flexible shell structure diffuses the LED light while maintaining ease of installation and adaptability to different geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If complex multi-part systems or rigid trim pieces are used to conceal LED strip lights, then glare diffusion is improved, but installation complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare diffusionVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated trim device that houses the LED strip, diffuses glare, and provides structural support. This one-piece construction eliminates the need to assemble multiple components, significantly simplifying installation while maintaining effective glare diffusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trim device uses flexible rubber or silicone material that can be bent to various angles and shapes, allowing it to adapt to different installation geometries without requiring complex assembly or customization. This material flexibility parameter enables easy installation on diverse surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If DIY solutions with wood or plastic trim are used, then customization is improved, but labor requirements and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidlabor requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The trim device is made from flexible rubber or silicone material that can be bent and shaped on-site to fit various geometries, providing customization without requiring specialized woodworking tools or extensive labor. The material's inherent flexibility allows adaptability to different surfaces while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The trim device is designed as a ready-to-install, disposable component that eliminates the need for permanent construction elements like wood bulkheads. It can be easily installed and removed without specialized tools or extensive labor, providing a cost-effective alternative to custom-built solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If bulkheads or covings are constructed to house LED strip lights, then glare concealment is improved, but time, money, and effort requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare concealmentVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the housing and glare diffusion functions into a single trim device that can be quickly installed without requiring construction of separate bulkheads or covings. This consolidation eliminates time-consuming construction activities while maintaining effective glare concealment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trim device serves as a temporary or permanent solution that replaces the need for constructed bulkheads. It can be quickly installed and removed without specialized construction tools or extensive labor, significantly reducing installation time and effort compared to traditional bulkhead construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Provides a visually appealing and evenly dispersed glow without the need for additional materials or tools, simplifying installation and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of LED strip light installations.

Implementation Method 1

diffuses the direct glare emitted by the LED individual dots and lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

There is also typically an adhesive on the back of the trim that allows it to be easily mounted to the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12601468B2Flexible trim device for enhancing LED strip lights
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 ISAAC MAXIM
  • US12601468B2 patent drawing
  • US12601468B2 patent drawing
  • US12601468B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is a trim device designed to enhance LED strip lights. The trim device is molded into various cross-sectional shapes and comprises an open or a translucent/opaque additional side. It is made of a flexible material, such as rubber or silicone, and features an outer section for attachment to surfaces. The trim accessory device effectively houses and conceals LED strip lights while allowing light to escape and reflect onto adjacent surfaces, resulting in a visually pleasing and evenly dispersed glow. Its sleek and unobtrusive design makes it suitable for various indoor and outdoor lighting installations, architectural accents, and decorative lighting arrangements. The trim device is easily customizable, simple to install, and capable of housing LED strip lights of various sizes and configurations. By diffusing direct glare and accentuating the LED glow, it adds elegance and functionality to LED strip light installations while maintaining a visually appealing ambiance.