LED Circuit Board Connector with Opposite-Side Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Connectors for LED circuit boards often interfere with light emission due to their height, causing shadowing and requiring special care for electrical connections, which can be risky for both the components and the connection process.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a first electrical connection contact for the conductor track and a second contact for a connection cable, where the second contact is opposite the first contact relative to the circuit board plane, featuring congruent surface shapes for stacking and a latching element on the same side as the second contact, allowing for a low-profile design that minimizes interference with LED light output and enhances handling and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connector has a greater overall height to accommodate electrical connection contacts, then the electrical connection function is improved, but the light emission is adversely affected due to shadowing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection functionVSAvoidlight emission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the second electrical connection contact on the opposite side of the circuit board plane from the first contact, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness of the board) to separate the electrical connection function from the light emission path. This dimensional arrangement allows the connector to maintain adequate height for reliable electrical connections while preventing shadowing of the LEDs, as the contacts are distributed on opposite faces of the board rather than competing for the same spatial volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the connector is positioned close to other components on the circuit board, then the device complexity is reduced, but special care is required for making electrical connections which increases the risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector arrangementVSAvoidconnection process safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into two separate electrical connection contacts positioned on opposite sides of the circuit board plane. This segmentation allows each contact to be independently accessed and connected without interfering with other components, reducing the risk of damage during the connection process while maintaining a compact overall device design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If the connector has a low profile to minimize light interference, then the light emission is improved, but the electrical connection contacts may be difficult to access and connect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emissionVSAvoidelectrical connection accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning the second electrical connection contact on the opposite side of the circuit board plane, the design utilizes the board's thickness to provide accessible connection points. This dimensional arrangement ensures that both electrical connection contacts are easily accessible from their respective sides, maintaining ease of operation while keeping the connector profile low enough to minimize light interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2775568B1Connector and circuit board with connector, in particular for a light
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2775568B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2775568B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2775568B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The connector (1) has a first electrical terminal (3) i.e. solder contact, for contacting a strip conductor of a circuit board. A second electrical terminal (4) i.e. plug contact, is contacted with an electrical connection cable, where the connector is attached with the circuit board at an electrical connected state. A fixed plane (e) is formed from the second electrical terminal to the first electrical terminal by the circuit board. The first electrical terminal is arranged on a surface area (111) of a plate-shaped portion (11). A tap-shaped projection is arranged at the plate-shaped portion.