Lighting Module Spring Contacts for Flexible Track Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems face challenges in easily connecting, repositioning, and rearranging lighting modules due to limitations in flexible connection methods, such as soldering and connector-based solutions, which are either time-consuming or expensive, and do not allow for variable pitches or easy removal without tools.

Innovation Solution

A lighting module with lamina electrical contacts having offset contact areas elastically pressed against conductive tracks on an insulating tape support, enabling easy connection, repositioning, and variable pitch configurations without the need for additional components or tools, allowing for sliding and orientation adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If soldering electrical cables directly on lighting modules is used, then flexibility in cable length and module spacing is improved, but installation time increases and user difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in cable length and module spacingVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary connection system consisting of conductive tracks on a flexible support and spring contacts on the lighting module. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for direct soldering while maintaining electrical connection, allowing for quick plug-and-play installation without sacrificing flexibility in cable length or module spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical soldering process with an elastic mechanical contact system. The spring contacts provide automatic mechanical and electrical connection when the module approaches the conductive tracks, eliminating the need for time-consuming soldering operations while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If connectors are used to achieve electrical connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical contact function and the mechanical connection function into a single integrated system. The spring contacts serve both as electrical conductors and as mechanical connection elements, eliminating the need for separate connectors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive tracks and spring contacts serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical connection, mechanical support, and positioning guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional connection methods are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for repositioning and reconfiguration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the connection system through the spring contacts and flexible support. The spring contacts can compress and release to accommodate module insertion and removal, while the flexible support allows for bending and reconfiguration. This dynamic behavior maintains stable electrical connection during operation while enabling easy repositioning and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible support structure (thin film) to carry the conductive tracks. This flexible substrate allows the connection system to bend, flex, and adapt to different configurations while maintaining electrical connection integrity, enabling repositioning and reconfiguration without compromising structural stability of the electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Facilitates easy mutual connection, flexible pitch arrangements, and tool-free removal of lighting modules, enabling complex configurations like crossings and branches, improving user convenience and system adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

respective distal ends which are elastically pressed against one face of said base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3382273B1Lighting module and lighting system

Publication Date: 2024.04.17 OSRAM GMBH

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AI summary

A lighting module comprising: - a base (24), - at least one electrically powered light radiation source (26) carried by said base (24), - a plurality of lamina electrical contacts (32', 32") connected to said light radiation source, and having respective proximal ends (34', 34") fixed to said base (24) and respective distal ends (36', 36") elastically pressed against one face (28, 30) of said base (24), wherein the distal ends (36', 36") of said lamina electrical contacts (32', 32") have respective mutually offset contact areas (38', 39").