LED Strip Connector with Support Member for Movement Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for flexible LED light strips fail to provide a reliable connection over time due to movement and applied forces, leading to costly maintenance and difficult installation for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible flat light strip connector system with a support member that secures the light strip, preventing movement and using a solderless connector with a sliding lock structure and adhesive strips for easy attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to connect the light strip to the connector, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal/mechanical soldering process with a mechanical insertion system. The light strip connects to the connector through a simple insertion motion followed by automatic locking, eliminating the need for soldering irons, flux, and heating processes while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features that automatically secure the light strip upon insertion. The locking mechanism engages automatically without requiring additional tools or manual operations beyond the initial insertion, making the connection process self-completing and tool-free.
2Device complexity
If conventional connectors without support structure are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to movement and applied forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the connector assembly: electrical connection, mechanical support, movement restriction, and locking are all integrated into a single unified structure. The support tabs and locking mechanism are built-in components of the connector itself, eliminating the need for separate support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into functional segments: insertion receptacle, support tabs for light strip attachment, locking mechanism, and electrical contacts. Each segment performs a specific function, and their coordinated operation provides both simplicity and reliability without requiring complex external support structures.
3Strength
If soldering is required for installation, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to skill requirements and tool needs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector performs the connection function automatically upon insertion. The self-locking mechanism engages without requiring user skill or external tools, making the installation accessible to anyone regardless of technical expertise while maintaining strong mechanical and electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex thermal and manual process of soldering is replaced with a simple mechanical insertion and automatic locking system. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized skills, tools, and safety precautions associated with soldering while providing sufficient connection strength for the application.
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
The system provides a reliable and secure connection that prevents electrical failure and simplifies installation by using a support member and adhesive strips to stabilize the light strip, reducing maintenance costs and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The light strip is attached to the surface of the support member thereby preventing movement of the light strip with respect to the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A LED strip light connector system for providing a reliable connection between a flexible LED light strip and a connector. The LED strip light connector system generally includes a connector adapted to receive an end of a light strip, and a support member extending outwardly from the connector to support the light strip near the connector. The light strip is attached to the surface of the support member thereby preventing movement of the light strip with respect to the connector.