Light Strip Profile Connection Device Gap Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for continuous-row rails often result in gaps when joining adjacent light band rails, disrupting the homogeneous lighting impression in light line systems.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a structured surface on one passage and a screwing mechanism that generates force to drive the rails together, utilizing friction to ensure a gap-free connection, and featuring an elongated design to accommodate inaccuracies in threaded mounts and allow relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal profiles are used to screw two light band rails together, then the rails can be connected, but gaps regularly remain in the joint area disrupting homogeneous lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the second light band rail can move relative to the connecting device during screwing. The structured surface on the screw interacts with the rail to generate driving forces that actively push the rails together, eliminating gaps. This dynamic approach transforms a static connection into an adaptive process that compensates for positioning inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the interaction parameters between the screw and the light band rail by introducing a structured surface (elevations, ridges, or grooves) on the screw shaft. This structured surface modifies the friction characteristics and force distribution during screwing, enabling the screw to not only fasten but also actively drive the rails together to eliminate gaps.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard screwing is used to connect rails, then assembly is simple, but gaps form due to inaccuracies in threaded mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device serves as an intermediary component between the two light band rails. It includes a structured surface that interacts with the screw to generate driving forces, and an elongated second passage that accommodates rail movement. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between simple assembly and precise alignment, maintaining ease of manufacture while eliminating joint gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The second passage is designed to be elongated in the longitudinal direction, allowing the connecting device to move relative to the light band rails during assembly. This dynamic capability enables the system to compensate for inaccuracies in threaded mount positioning while maintaining a straightforward screwing operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If friction is increased to drive rails together, then gap formation is reduced, but the screwing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire screw complex, the invention applies local quality by introducing a structured surface only on specific portions of the screw shaft (elevations, ridges, or grooves). This localized structuring creates the necessary friction and driving forces at critical contact points without complicating the overall screw design or manufacturing process.
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 solution effectively eliminates or significantly reduces gaps between connected light band rails, ensuring a uniform lighting effect by using a structured surface to enhance friction and a U-shaped design for stable alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a structured surface being provided at least on the second passage, which is suitable for interacting with a screw when connecting two continuous-row rails in such a way that a force is generated which drives the two light band rails towards each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection device (1) for connecting two light strip profiles (20, 30) of a strip lighting fixture, comprising at least one first through hole (7) and a second through hole (8), wherein a structured surface (9) is provided at least at the second through hole (8), which surface is suitable for cooperating with a screw (25) during connection of two light strip profiles (20, 30) in such a way that a force is generated which drives the two light strip profiles (20, 30) toward one another. The invention also relates to a light strip profile (20) comprising at least one connection device according to the invention, wherein the connection device (1) is arranged in a starting position. The invention further relates to a strip lighting fixture comprising at least one light strip profile (20) according to the invention.