LED Module Cover Shape Fixing via Interpenetrating Polymer Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible LED strips require adjustment and fixing of shape for installation, but current methods using bendable metal pieces are visually unappealing and difficult to apply.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting diode (LED) module with a flexible substrate and a cover that forms an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) to fix the shape, using a transformable second constituent such as a polymerizable monomer or solvent within the cover, which changes the elastic properties to make the cover more rigid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bendable metal pieces are used to fix the shape of LED strip, then the shape can be permanently fixed, but the device becomes visually unappealing and difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shape fixation function with the protective cover itself by incorporating a transformable constituent (polymerizable monomer or solvent) within the elastomeric material. When transformed through polymerization or evaporation, this constituent forms an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) that directly fixes the cover's shape, eliminating the need for separate metal fixation devices and simplifying the application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fixation mechanism from external metal pieces and integrates it into the cover material itself. The transformable second constituent is embedded within the elastomeric first constituent, allowing the cover to self-fix its shape through chemical transformation rather than requiring external mechanical fasteners.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bendable metal pieces are used to fix the shape of LED strip, then the shape can be permanently fixed, but the device becomes visually unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixation function with the aesthetic cover component. The transformable constituent is integrated within the elastomeric cover material, allowing the cover to serve dual purposes: providing aesthetic coverage and mechanically fixing the LED strip shape through IPN formation, thereby eliminating visually unappealing metal pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cover material by transforming the second constituent (polymerizable monomer or solvent) into a rigid polymer network. This parameter change occurs after the cover is formed and shaped, allowing the material to transition from a flexible state during installation to a rigid fixed state for final appearance, all within the same aesthetic component.
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 easy adjustment and permanent fixing of the LED strip shape without the need for visually unappealing metal pieces, providing protection and maintaining the desired form.
Implementation Method 1
The cover may include a transformable second constituent that may be inserted within the first constituent and adapted to, after transformation, form an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) to fix the shape of the LED module
Implementation Method 2
or evaporation of a solvent containing a dissolved polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a light-emitting diode, LED, module (100) which may include a plurality of LEDs (110) assembled on a flexible substrate (120). The LED module (110) may include a cover (130) which at least partially covers the plurality of LEDs (110) and include a first constituent having elastic properties. The cover (130) may include a transformable second constituent inserted within the first constituent and adapted to, after transformation, form an interpenetrating polymer network to fix the shape of the LED module. The present disclosure also provides a method for fixing the shape of a LED module, a method of fabricating a lighting device including a LED module, and a lighting device including a LED module.