LED Holder With Locking Mechanism For Panel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel illumination systems face challenges with proper positioning and alignment during installation due to vibration and limited space, requiring labor-intensive processes that involve gluing and drilling, which can lead to misalignment and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A panel illumination light source positioning and holding mechanism that uses a hollow insertion portion with a locking mechanism, such as flexible fins or NPT threaded engagement, to securely hold LEDs and light pipes without adhesives, ensuring accurate alignment and easy installation, and includes a beveled opening to prevent burrs from interfering with light pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gluing and drilling processes are used for installation, then the LED holder can be securely fixed in place, but misalignment and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED holder is pre-assembled with the LED and light pipe in a unified structure before installation. The holder includes pre-formed engagement features that align with corresponding features in the panel opening, ensuring proper positioning is established before the component is installed in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (glue) with a mechanical retention system. The holder uses friction-fit engagement, interference fits, or snap-fit mechanisms that provide secure fixation through mechanical means alone, eliminating the need for adhesives and associated alignment issues.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional LED holder design is used, then installation can be performed, but labor costs and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into a single integrated LED holder assembly. The holder simultaneously provides mounting functionality, LED retention, light pipe positioning, and electrical connection support, allowing all these functions to be installed in one operation rather than multiple separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED holder is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: structural support for the LED, positioning of the light pipe, electrical connection interface, and mechanical retention in the panel opening. This universal design reduces the number of separate components and installation steps required.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used for mounting, then the LED holder can be fixed securely, but the need for adhesives increases cost and creates drilling-related issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a purely mechanical retention system. The holder incorporates features such as friction-fit engagement surfaces, interference fits, or snap-fit mechanisms that provide secure mounting through mechanical forces alone, eliminating the need for adhesives and simplifying the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel illumination light source positioning and holding mechanism and method of operation and installation is disclosed for a light panel comprising a panel having on a front side thereof a front film forming an illumination surface, and an insertion hole through the panel to the film, the positioning and holding mechanism may comprise a hollow insertion portion extending into the insertion hole, the hollow insertion portion receiving an LED assembly; a locking mechanism locking the insertion portion in place after insertion into the insertion hole; a light pipe reception and holding mechanism, with a light pipe inserted into the light pipe reception and holding mechanism. The positioning and holding mechanism may also comprise a parallel extending portion holding the LED.