Integrated Electrical Connector for Light Strip Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light band systems face challenges in easy, efficient, and secure electrical connection of consecutive support profiles, with risks of accidental contact and incorrect assembly due to exposed electrical contacts.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector is integrated with a fastening body and designed with two plugs in a common housing, where only sockets are required at the ends, and the connector is positioned between support profiles, ensuring protection against accidental contact and simplifying the connection process by allowing easy plugging of cables into the connector's plugs and sockets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical connectors with exposed contacts are used for connecting support profiles, then electrical connection is achieved, but the risk of accidental contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidaccidental contact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical connector with the mechanical fastening body into a single integrated component. The connector housing is formed as one piece with the fastening body, so that mechanical coupling and electrical connection occur simultaneously through a single insertion action, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection steps and reducing exposure of live contacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating housing acts as an intermediary that encloses and protects the electrical contacts. The housing provides physical barriers and insulation, preventing accidental contact with live electrical components while still allowing controlled electrical connection through designated socket interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate fastening and electrical connection steps are used, then mechanical and electrical functions are achieved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical and electrical couplingVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fastening body and electrical connector into a single integrated component. The connector housing is formed as one piece with the fastening body, allowing both mechanical coupling and electrical connection to be achieved through a single insertion action, thereby reducing installation time and steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fastening through the fastening body, electrical connection through the connector housing and contacts, and structural support for the light strip. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and steps.

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

3Ease of operation

If male plugs are exposed on support profile ends, then electrical connection is enabled, but the risk of incorrect assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidassembly correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of exposing male plugs on the support profile ends, the patent inverts the design by enclosing the male plugs within an insulating housing and presenting only female sockets on the external surface. This inversion prevents incorrect assembly by eliminating exposed male contacts that could be mistakenly connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating housing serves as an intermediary that conceals the male plugs and presents a safe, controlled interface with female sockets. This intermediary structure prevents direct exposure of live male contacts, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect or accidental assembly while maintaining electrical connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2479851B1Light strip with electrical connector
Publication Date: 2016.06.01 RIDI LEUCHTEN GMBH
  • EP2479851B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2479851B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2479851B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The electrical connector (6) has connector housing (7) with electrical plugs (8) that are arranged in opposing side surfaces. The electrical plugs are connected with the sockets (10) of the electrical wires (4). The plugging directions (11) of electrical plugs and sockets of electrical wires are mutually parallel. Each electrical plug is comprised of several pins that are inserted into the holes in the socket. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) socket; (2) optical patter; (3) electrical wiring; and (4) carrier profile.