Flexible Thermoplastic Lighting Profile for Curved Outdoor Installations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current outdoor lighting systems with LED strips are inflexible and lack robustness for walkability and drive-over applications, and cannot incorporate power and control electronics, limiting their ability to create curved or complex light shapes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible lighting apparatus with a thermoplastic profile that houses both LED light sources and electronic control devices, allowing for on-site assembly and attachment, using a PVC compound that is recyclable and paintable, enabling the creation of curved and irregular light shapes while being robust enough for outdoor use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid metal or extruded plastic profiles are used to support LED strips, then structural strength and robustness are improved, but flexibility and ability to create curved light shapes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal or extruded plastic to flexible thermoplastic material, enabling the profile to be bent into curved shapes while maintaining structural integrity. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction with a flexible thermoplastic profile that integrates both structural support and flexibility. The profile combines the strength needed for robustness with the flexibility needed for curved configurations, creating a multi-functional component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If simple LED strips are used without external casing, then flexibility is improved, but robustness for walkability and drive-over deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible thermoplastic profile that acts as a protective shell for the LED strip. This flexible casing provides the necessary robustness for walkability and drive-over applications while maintaining the flexibility needed for curved installations, solving the contradiction between protection and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If LED strips without external casing are used, then ease of installation is improved, but ability to house power and control electronics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible thermoplastic profile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, protects the LED strip, houses power and control electronics, and enables curved configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address all requirements without compromising ease of installation.
4Extent of automation
If known linear lighting systems with piloting and control electronics are used, then functionality is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to curved shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter from rigid to flexible thermoplastic material, enabling the system to accommodate curved shapes while maintaining integrated piloting and control electronics. This parameter change allows the electronic systems to function within a flexible configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Lighting apparatus (10), comprising a flexible profile (11) made of thermoplastic material and provided with a first seating (12) for housing a light source (13a, 13b) and a second seating (14) for housing an electronic device (15) for piloting and/or controlling such light source (13a, 13b).