Fork-Shaped Lighting Connector for Flexible LED Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting device connectors are bulky and limited to a single position, making them inflexible and unsuitable for mounting at corner positions or with flexible modules, where color and wire matching is critical.

Innovation Solution

A small-sized, single-pole connector with a fork-like shell and arch-shaped resilient contacts that can be coupled to the edges of a planar support, allowing for adjustable and versatile electrical and mechanical connections at any position, supporting various lighting configurations and wire arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connectors are used for lighting devices, then electrical connection is achieved, but the connectors are bulky and limited to single position mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position flexibilityVSAvoidconnector size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate functional components: a housing element, a contact element, and a resilient member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in different configurations to achieve versatile mounting positions while maintaining a compact overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the contact element to move and adapt to different mounting positions and orientations. This dynamic feature enables the connector to be mounted at various positions on the circuit board edge without requiring a bulky fixed-structure connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If connectors are mounted at module extremities, then electrical connection is established, but mounting at corner positions between converging walls becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidmounting position options

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design with its resilient member and adjustable contact element provides universal mounting capability across different positions on the circuit board edge, including corner positions between converging walls. The same connector structure can be adapted to various mounting scenarios without requiring position-specific designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If fixed number of poles connectors are used, then single position electrical connection is achieved, but color and wire matching is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire color matchingVSAvoidconnector configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing element and contact element are pre-configured with specific pole arrangements and color coding during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration ensures that wire color matching is maintained regardless of the mounting position, as the connector structure itself preserves the intended electrical connection scheme.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If small-sized connector is used, then connection at any position on module is achieved, but mechanical strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position rangeVSAvoidmechanical connection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs composite construction with the housing element, contact element, and resilient member made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. This composite structure achieves high mechanical strength in a compact size, allowing reliable electrical connection at any position on the module without compromising connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 reliable connections at any position on the module, supports multiple module configurations, and allows for flexible wire insertion and branching, preventing overloading and shadow areas, thus enhancing installation flexibility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

arch-shaped resilient contact in a resilient manner establishing an electrical connection with an electrical contact formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3104464B1A connector for lighting devices and method

Publication Date: 2020.05.13 OSRAM SOC RIUNITE OSRAM EDISON CLERICI

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AI summary

A connector (100) for lighting devices (D), e.g. flexible LED modules including a planar support (10) with electrical contact formations (12) arranged at an edge of planar support (10), includes a fork-shaped shell (102) with a notch (104) coupleable with said planar support edge (10), with said edge (10) inserted in said notch (104). On at least one side, and preferably on both sides, of notch (104) there are provided electrical contacts (106), e.g. resilient contacts, for providing electrical contact with a contact formation (12) provided on said edge inserted in notch (104).