Two-Part LED PCB Connector Ring for Variant Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection elements for LED light sources are inflexible and require large inventories due to varying circuit board sizes and power classes, leading to inefficient pre-assembly and costly manual wiring.

Innovation Solution

A two-part connection element design with a first ring supporting the circuit board laterally and a second ring encircling it, allowing for modular assembly and electrical connection, with the first ring being universally adaptable to different circuit boards and the second ring specifically designed for each board type, enabling separate wiring before final assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pre-assembled connection elements are stocked for different circuit board variants, then adaptability to various LED light sources is improved, but storage requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to circuit board variantsVSAvoidstorage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element is designed with a universal first ring that can accommodate multiple circuit board variants through adapter frames, eliminating the need to stock separate pre-assembled units for each variant. The universal design allows a single base connection element to serve multiple functions across different LED light source configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection element is divided into modular components: a universal first ring and variant-specific adapter frames. This segmentation allows the universal portion to be stocked once, while only the smaller adapter frames need to be maintained in inventory for different circuit board variants, significantly reducing overall storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a single universal connection element is used for all circuit board variants, then storage requirements are reduced, but the ability to accommodate specific circuit board sizes and shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage requirementsVSAvoidaccommodation of circuit board variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Adapter frames serve as intermediary components between the universal first ring and the various circuit board variants. These adapter frames translate the universal interface into variant-specific configurations, allowing the single universal connection element to accommodate different circuit board sizes and shapes without compromising adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If connection elements are pre-assembled with specific LED light sources, then assembly speed at final installation is improved, but inventory complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidinventory complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element is segmented into a universal first ring and separate adapter frames that can be quickly attached or detached. This allows the universal first ring to be pre-assembled and stocked, while the specific adapter frames for different circuit board variants can be added or removed as needed, maintaining simple inventory while enabling rapid final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4538592B1Connecting element for LED lighting means
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 BJB GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4538592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4538592B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4538592B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A connection element for the electrical connection of an LED light source is described and illustrated, wherein the LED light source has a printed circuit board which is provided with contact fields for the electrical supply of the LED, with a substantially ring-shaped frame which is intended to enclose the printed circuit board and mechanically hold it on an arrangement surface of a counter bearing and with a contact arrangement which is mounted in the frame and serves to supply the LED with electricity, wherein the frame is divided into a first ring and a second ring, the first ring is intended to surround the printed circuit board and hold it in the parallel direction to the arrangement surface of the counter bearing, and the second ring encloses the printed circuit board at least partially and is intended to hold the printed circuit board in the vertical direction to the surface of the counter bearing.