LED Strip Connector With Locking Clip and Gasket Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED strips used in vehicle interiors and exteriors are prone to vibration-induced detachment and moisture-induced electrical shorting due to non-locking connectors, which expose electrical connections to adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a male socket with conductive prongs and a female socket with a gasket seal, along with a wired housing and end cap, that provides a mechanical and electrical connection while preventing exposure to the environment, using a dielectric housing and elastomer gasket for vibration and moisture resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-locking connectors are used to join LED strips, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection is vulnerable to vibration-induced detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the clip arm can flex during insertion and then locks into place on the male socket. This dynamic behavior allows the connector to transition from a simple insertion state to a securely locked state, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism (the clip arm and clip catch) from the basic connector body. This allows the main connector structure to remain simple while adding a dedicated locking component that provides vibration resistance without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
2Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are exposed for connection between LED strips, then the electrical connection is accessible and easy to make, but the contacts are exposed to moisture causing electrical short-circuiting
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible gasket is introduced between the male and female sockets to create a moisture barrier. The gasket flexes during connection and sealing, providing protection against moisture while maintaining the accessibility of electrical contacts during the connection process. This resolves the contradiction by protecting contacts from moisture without making them inaccessible.
3Reliability
If a secure sealed connection is created to prevent vibration detachment and moisture ingress, then reliability against vibration and moisture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design merges multiple functions into integrated components: the clip arm serves both as a locking mechanism and a structural element of the female socket, the gasket provides both sealing and structural support, and the housing integrates mounting features and electrical contact protection. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability against vibration and moisture.
Data Source
AI summary
An LED strip connector system for providing secure electrical and mechanical connection between LED strips comprising a male socket end, a female socket end, a locking mechanism, a gasket, a wired housing, and an end cap. The locking mechanism consists of a clip and clip catch and provides a detachable, secure, vibration-resistant mechanical connection between strips. The gasket is made of an elastic, impermeable material and is configured and positioned to establish a moisture-resistant seal between connectors, protecting the electrical connection from environmental moisture. The wired housing connects a female socket end to a power cord. The end cap protects the exposed contacts of an open socket.