Lighting Profile Sealing with Integrated Plug Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light band systems face challenges in sealing the channel-like receiving space effectively at the end areas, leading to potential ingress of dust and moisture, which compromises the protection of electrical and electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of plug-like sealing elements that fit form-fittingly into the front area of the receiving space, exerting pressure on the profile parts to enhance sealing, along with through-openings for cables and optional sealing inserts, and end caps that provide additional pressure and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the receiving space is sealed at the front area, then protection against dust and moisture is improved, but assembly complexity increases due to additional sealing components
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrated directly into the profile part to form a unified component. The sealing element and profile part are designed as a single integrated structure where the sealing function is built-in, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining effective dust and moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed as a flexible component that can be integrated into the profile part. This flexible sealing structure adapts to the receiving space geometry and provides effective sealing against dust and moisture without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall assembly.
2Device complexity
If sealing elements are integrated into the profile part, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with specific dimensional parameters that allow for tolerance compensation. By optimizing the geometry and material properties of the integrated sealing element, the design accommodates manufacturing variations while maintaining effective sealing, thereby reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sealing element features localized sealing surfaces and structures that concentrate sealing functionality in specific areas. This local quality approach allows the majority of the profile part to be manufactured with standard tolerances while only requiring high precision in the critical sealing zones, thereby balancing manufacturing precision requirements with assembly simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the receiving space is completely enclosed, then component protection is improved, but cable access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed receiving space is segmented to include integrated cable access features. The profile part is divided into sections where cable entry points are built-in, allowing cables to pass through sealed conduits or designated openings while maintaining the overall enclosed protection. This segmentation enables both complete enclosure for protection and facilitated cable access.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sealing element serves as an intermediary structure that provides sealed cable access. Cables pass through the sealing element via integrated conduits or grommets that maintain the seal while allowing cable passage. This intermediary approach enables cable access without compromising the enclosed protection of the receiving space.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure is exerted on the profile part, then sealing effect is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure for sealing purposes is applied locally at the sealing surfaces rather than uniformly across the entire profile part. The integrated sealing element is designed to concentrate sealing force at specific contact points where dust and moisture infiltration would occur, while the rest of the profile part maintains its structural stability without excessive loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties and geometric parameters of the integrated sealing element are optimized to achieve effective sealing with minimal pressure. By adjusting the sealing element's hardness, elasticity, and contact surface area, the design achieves adequate sealing effect while maintaining structural stability of the overall profile part under normal operating conditions.
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
Ensures a reliable and complete enclosure of the receiving space, protecting components from dust and moisture while allowing for easy passage of cables, thereby achieving a higher protection class with simplified assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element consists of an at least slightly compressible material and is designed in such a way that when it is not arranged in the receiving space it has a slightly enlarged cross section compared to the cross section of the receiving space
Implementation Method 2
special means are provided which exert pressure on the outside of the profile parts in the front area of the receiving space in order to optimize the sealing effect of the sealing elements
Implementation Method 3
end caps to be fastened in the front area, which in the fastened state exert additional pressure on at least one of the profile parts
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
An arrangement for forming an elongated, channel-like receiving space (145), which is designed in particular for receiving lighting units (31), comprises two elongated profile parts (140, 150) which are connected to each other in a form-fitting or clamping manner to form the receiving space (145), wherein a sealing element (10) is arranged on each of the end faces of the receiving space (145), which fills the receiving space (145) in the end face area.