Flexible Light Matrix Layout for Cut-Free LED Strip Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current customizable LED light strips face challenges such as irreversible cutting, damage to robustness, high waste generation, and inefficient light output due to rigid components, limiting versatility and reusability.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and stretchable light emitting device comprising a body, nodes, and connecting elements, where nodes can be light sources or passive/electrically conductive elements, and connecting elements can be flexible light sources or conductive elements, allowing for customizable size and shape without cutting, reduced waste, and optimal light output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light strips are made customizable in length by cutting them to the desired length, then consumers can obtain the desired size, but the robustness of the LED light stripe is damaged and waterproofness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable lengthVSAvoidrobustness and waterproofness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic, reconfigurable light strip system where LED modules can be moved, added, or removed from the strip without permanent modification. The magnetic coupling mechanism allows the strip to adapt its configuration dynamically, enabling length customization while preserving the integrity and waterproofness of the original structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light strip is divided into discrete, modular LED modules that can be independently positioned or removed. Each module is a self-contained unit with electrical connections that can be reconfigured, allowing the overall strip length to be customized without cutting or damaging the continuous structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stock-keeping-units of different sizes are maintained to meet customization needs, then various lengths can be provided, but costs increase due to inventory complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevarious lengths availabilityVSAvoidinventory management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal light strip design with modular, reconfigurable LED modules can serve multiple length requirements. The same base strip can be configured in different lengths by arranging or removing modules, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory for each size variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The light strip system dynamically adapts to different length requirements through movable and removable modules, allowing one product design to fulfill multiple customization needs without requiring pre-manufactured variants for each possible length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If cutting is performed to customize length, then the desired size is obtained, but waste is generated and electronics may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomized sizeVSAvoidwaste and electronic loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration through movable modules that can be repositioned or removed without cutting. This enables length customization while preserving all electronic components for potential reuse in other configurations or applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding excess material through cutting, the modular design allows individual LED modules to be removed and recovered for reuse. The magnetic coupling and flexible circuitry enable components to be reclaimed and repurposed, minimizing waste and electronic loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 easy customization, maximum light output with minimal loss, reduced waste, and reusability of the device in various applications, while maintaining LED integrity and optical quality.

Implementation Method 1

One or more nodes of the plurality of nodes are at least one of a light source adapted for, in operation, emitting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20240014248A1A light emitting device comprising a flexible light matrix
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • US20240014248A1 patent drawing
  • US20240014248A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a light emitting device (1) comprising a flexible and/or stretchable body (2), a plurality of nodes (3), and a plurality of connecting elements (4). Each node (3) of the plurality of nodes (3) is separated from at least one other node (3) of the plurality of nodes (3) by one or more connecting element (4) of the plurality of connecting elements (4). At least one of the plurality of nodes (3) and the plurality of connecting elements (4) are attached to the body (2). One or more nodes of the plurality of nodes (3) are at least one of a light source, a passive element, an electrically conductive element and a passive element. One or more connecting elements of the plurality of connecting elements (4) are at least one of a light source and an electrically conductive element. The connecting elements of the plurality of connecting elements (4) are at least one of flexible and stretchable.