Integrated Light Pipe and LED Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing combination of LEDs and light pipes requires separate mounting hardware, leading to alignment issues and increased space requirements due to manufacturing tolerances, resulting in inefficiencies and increased installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated light pipe design where a light emitting diode (LED) is coupled within a cavity of the light pipe using a translucent adhesive or mechanical connectors, with conductive mounts extending out to provide power and reduce the overall footprint, allowing for improved alignment and reduced space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate mounting hardware is used for LED and light pipe, then the LED and light pipe can be mounted independently, but alignment issues occur and space requirements increase due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LED mounting structure and light pipe mounting structure into a single integrated mounting hardware piece. The LED is mounted within a cavity formed in the light pipe, and both components share common mounting tabs and apertures. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware, ensuring precise alignment between the LED and light pipe while reducing the overall footprint and addressing the alignment issues caused by manufacturing tolerances when using separate mounting components
2Ease of manufacture
If separate mounting hardware is used for LED and light pipe, then each component can be mounted separately, but the overall footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the LED mounting structure within the light pipe body, sharing common mounting tabs and apertures. The LED is positioned in a cavity formed directly in the light pipe, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and reducing the overall footprint. This integration allows both components to be mounted together as a single unit, significantly reducing the space required compared to separate mounting arrangements
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods are used, then standard installation procedures can be followed, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an integrated assembly where the LED and light pipe are pre-aligned and mounted together using shared mounting hardware. The LED is secured within a cavity in the light pipe using adhesive or mechanical connectors, and both components share common mounting tabs that attach to a single aperture in the mounting surface. This integration simplifies the installation process, reducing installation time and cost by eliminating the need for separate mounting operations
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
This design reduces the footprint of the LED and light pipe combination, improving installation efficiency, reducing light bleed, and minimizing space requirements, thus enhancing manufacturing cost-effectiveness and installation ease.
Implementation Method 1
coupled to the light pipe within the cavity using a translucent adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for an integrated light pipe. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a light pipe with a cavity positioned at a first end of the light pipe. The apparatus may further include a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to the light pipe within the cavity. The apparatus may further include, the light emitted from the LED is directed through the light pipe. The apparatus may also include a first and second conductive mount coupled to the LED and extending out of the cavity.