Flexible Lighting Module Shape Transformation via Superelastic Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting modules with solid state light sources are inflexible in shape, limiting their adaptability to different applications and user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module featuring a flexible substrate with conductive traces and a flexible housing made of superelastic material that can change shape from linear to non-linear and vice versa, utilizing a nickel-titanium alloy for mechanical strength and reversibility, along with an attachment mechanism and a base for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting modules use rigid housing structures, then mechanical strength is maintained, but shape adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible housing made of superelastic material (nickel-titanium alloy) that can reversibly change between linear and non-linear shapes. This flexible shell maintains mechanical strength through the superelastic properties of the material while enabling shape adaptability for different lighting applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transformation of the nickel-titanium alloy from austenite to martensite phase to enable reversible shape changes. By changing the physical state parameters of the material, the housing can transform between different shapes while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting modules use fixed linear shapes, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but application versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static housing into a dynamic structure that can change shape on demand. The superelastic material allows the housing to reversibly transition between linear and non-linear configurations, enabling a single device to serve multiple lighting applications without requiring multiple fixed-shape modules.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lighting modules use rounded spotlight shapes, then light distribution is optimized, but flexibility for different mounting configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lighting module that can adapt to different mounting configurations and application requirements through shape transformation. The same module can be configured as a linear strip for one application or transformed into a rounded spotlight shape for another, eliminating the need for application-specific housing designs.
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 shape transformation and adaptability of lighting modules from linear to circular or other shapes, enhancing user flexibility and application versatility while maintaining mechanical strength and light output efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible housing comprising a flexible superelastic material in an austenite phase, wherein the flexible housing is placed in proximity to the flexible substrate to form the lighting module
Implementation Method 2
the flexible superelastic material may be a flexible superelastic material capable of returning to the first shape of the flexible housing after the removal of the mechanical load
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting module is provided. The lighting module includes a flexible substrate having a first side and a second side, a plurality of solid state light sources, and a flexible housing. The first side of the flexible substrate has conductive traces. The plurality of solid state light sources is placed on the first side of the flexible substrate. The plurality of solid state light sources is electrically connected to the conductive traces. The flexible housing has at least a first shape, which may be linear, and a second shape, which may be non-linear. The flexible housing includes a flexible superelastic material in an austenite phase. The flexible housing is placed in proximity to the flexible substrate to form the lighting module.