Lighting Strip Interchangeable Insulation Displacing Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible lighting strips are sensitive to component variations, leading to issues such as voltage fluctuations due to manufacturing differences and heat-induced resistance increases, and require multiple types of insulation displacing conductors, complicating manufacturing and part stocking.
Innovation Solution
A flexible lighting strip design featuring a plurality of spaced apart parallel electrical conductors with power regulating circuitry and interchangeable insulation displacing conductors, allowing for secure connection of light emitting devices and independent power regulation at each unit, which compensates for voltage drops and component variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple types of insulation displacing conductors are used to accommodate different connection configurations, then the lighting strip can achieve series-parallel connections with higher driving voltage, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase due to the multiplicity of different parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single type of insulation displacing conductor that can perform multiple functions. The conductor is configured with a body having a first end and a second end, allowing it to make electrical contact with different conductors (positive, negative, or series conductors) depending on its orientation and connection configuration. This single universal conductor replaces the need for multiple specialized conductors, achieving series-parallel connections while simplifying the parts inventory.
2Quantity of substance
If light emitting diodes with varying forward voltage values are included in the lighting strip, then more LEDs can be utilized, but the reliability decreases due to unacceptable voltage redistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lighting strip into multiple independent series portions, where each series portion contains a subset of lighting units with controlled forward voltage values. The power regulating circuitry is also segmented and associated with specific series portions rather than the entire strip. This segmentation allows LEDs with varying forward voltage values to be distributed across different portions, with each portion maintaining acceptable voltage distribution through its dedicated regulating circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using power regulating circuitry that dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage and/or current) to compensate for variations in LED forward voltage values. The regulating circuitry monitors and adjusts the electrical characteristics delivered to each series portion, ensuring stable operation despite manufacturing variations in LED parameters. This allows a broader range of LEDs to be used while maintaining reliability.
3Power
If voltage-dividing resistors are used to accommodate voltage differences between power supply and light emitting diodes, then the lighting strip can operate with higher applied voltage, but the energy efficiency decreases due to power dissipation in resistors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing passive voltage-dividing resistors with active power regulating circuitry. Instead of using resistive elements that dissipate power as heat to manage voltage differences, the regulating circuitry actively controls and regulates the electrical power delivered to lighting units. This substitution eliminates or significantly reduces the power dissipation associated with voltage division, improving energy efficiency while maintaining the capability to operate with higher applied voltages.
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
This design ensures consistent lighting output by regulating power at each unit, minimizing the impact of component variations and simplifying manufacturing by using interchangeable conductors, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the lighting strip.
Implementation Method 1
as the light emitting diodes heat up due to resistive heating during operation, the effective forward voltage increases due to a heat-induced increase in electrical resistance
Implementation Method 2
Light emitting devices, such as light emitting diodes, are suitable for use in lighting strips
Data Source
AI summary
In a lighting strip (8, 80, 380), a flexible electrically insulated cable (10, 110, 410) includes spaced apart parallel electrical conductors (12, 14, 112, 114, 118, 412, 414, 4181, 4182, 4183, 4184) bound together by electrical insulation (16, 116, 416) as a cable. The electrical conductors include power conductors (12, 14, 112, 114, 412, 414). A plurality of lighting units (20, 120, 220, 320, 420) secured to and spaced apart along the flexible electrically insulated cable each include: (i) one or more light emitting devices (24, 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, 224b1, 224b2, 224b3, 224c1, 224c2, 224c3, 224d1, 224d2, 224d3, 4241, 4242, 4243, 4244); (ii) power regulating electrical circuitry (40, 140, 240, 340, 440); and (iii) insulation displacing conductors (28, 30, 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, 391, 392, 393, 500, 550, 600) connecting the lighting unit with at least the power conductors. The insulation displacing conductors (500, 550, 600) may be interchangeable.