U-Shaped LED Light Strip with Integrated Power Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light line systems face limitations in flexibility and safety, particularly in the placement and protection of light sources during installation and maintenance, as they often expose power supply lines and can pose a risk of accidental contact.

Innovation Solution

Integrating LEDs into the lighting module with a carrier element having light emission openings, allowing for better protection and flexibility in light source placement, and using a U-shaped mounting rail with power and signal lines for power supply and control, along with adjustable and rotatable contacting elements for secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If light sources are exposed during installation and maintenance, then accessibility for assembly is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental contact with power supply lines

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility for assemblyVSAvoidRisk of injury from exposed power lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light sources are integrated into the mounting rail structure itself, with the rail forming a protective enclosure that nests the light sources and power supply lines within its U-shaped profile. This eliminates exposed components while maintaining accessibility through the open bottom design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting rail combines multiple functions: structural support, power supply conduit, light source protection, and mechanical mounting interface. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the system protects light sources and power lines while simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If LEDs are integrated into the lighting module with light emission openings, then safety is improved by protecting light sources, but device complexity increases due to additional structural elements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProtection of light sourcesVSAvoidStructural complexity of carrier element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for LEDs, defines light emission openings, offers mounting interfaces for the rail, and protects internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier element features localized light emission openings only where light needs to exit, while other areas provide structural support and protection. This selective opening approach maintains protection where needed while enabling light emission where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If mounting rail provides continuous power supply and signal lines, then flexibility in light placement is improved, but safety deteriorates due to permanently live power lines

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFlexibility in light placementVSAvoidRisk from permanently live power lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Power supply and signal lines are nested within the U-shaped mounting rail, which acts as a protective conduit. This allows continuous lines for flexible light placement while the rail enclosure protects against accidental contact with the live conductors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enhances safety by protecting light sources within the mounting rail, reducing the risk of injury during assembly or disassembly, and offers design flexibility and varied lighting effects through color and intensity control of LEDs.

Implementation Method 1

the light sources are formed by LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2151899B1Light strip system
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2151899B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2151899B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2151899B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The system has wires running in a longitudinal direction with a U-shaped support rail and supplying power and transferring control commands for a lamp (10). The lamp is connected to the support rail and has a support element for holding light sources. The light sources are formed by LEDs (20). The support element has light transfer-openings, where LEDs are arranged in light directing elements (22) of the light transfer-openings. The light directing elements are formed by reflectors and lenses.