Lighting-Element Socket With Selectable Ribbon Cable Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative lighting displays lack customization options beyond their response to electrical signals, limiting the ability to create complex and varied illumination patterns with fixed-color lighting elements.
Innovation Solution
A lighting-element/ribbon-cable connector with a cable interface, wire contacting members, and a channel selector that allows for selective power-channel connection to a flat ribbon cable, enabling customizable illumination configurations by selecting from multiple power-channel wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-color lighting elements are used in decorative lighting displays, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the customization options and illumination pattern variety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flat ribbon cable is divided into multiple insulated conductors (first through fourth conductors), each carrying different power or signal channels. The connector segments these channels and allows selective connection to lighting elements, enabling customization without requiring complex programmable lighting elements themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides dynamic reconfigurability through selective wire connections. Users can change which conductors are connected to which lighting element terminals by adjusting the connector configuration, allowing the same fixed-color lighting elements to create varied illumination patterns over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power-channel wires are provided in the flat ribbon cable, then more illumination patterns can be achieved, but the complexity of connecting and selecting the appropriate power channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple power channels simultaneously. It features a standardized structure with first and second sets of terminals that can connect to any combination of the four conductors, making it easy to configure different illumination patterns without requiring different connectors for each pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary between the flat ribbon cable with multiple conductors and the lighting elements. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, allowing users to select and connect appropriate power channels through a uniform connection mechanism rather than dealing with individual wire connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a connector with selectable wire connection is used, then customization of illumination patterns is enabled, but the connector structure becomes more complex compared to simple connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure is segmented into distinct terminal sets (first set and second set of terminals) corresponding to different conductors. This segmentation allows independent connection and disconnection of different power channels while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that doesn't require complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated component. It simultaneously provides mechanical support, electrical connection, and selection capability for multiple power channels, eliminating the need for separate components for each function and actually reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables customizable illumination patterns and configurations for lighting elements, allowing for varied power sources and signal patterns, enhancing the flexibility and creativity in decorative lighting displays.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of wire contacting members includes a plurality of power-channel contacting members and a common contacting member. The plurality of power-channel contacting members are aligned and configured to pierce insulation of corresponding ones of the plurality of power-channel wires
Data Source
AI summary
A cable interface is configured to mechanically and electrically connect to, via a plurality of piercing members, power-channel wires and a common wire of a ribbon cable. A lighting-element socket coupled to the cable interface is configured to receive a lighting element within and to provide electrical connection between power and common electrical contacts of the lighting element received and power-channel and common electrical contacts of the lighting-element socket. A channel selector conductively connected to the power electrical contact of the lighting-element socket is configured to select and electrically connect to a selected one of the plurality of power-channel wires via the power-channel contacting members.