Lighting Strip Sealing Device for IP54 Gap Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light strips face challenges in achieving adequate sealing at the transition between blind covers and device mounts, particularly due to varying gap dimensions and time constraints during installation, which can compromise the IP54 protection rating against dust and water.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device with a transverse web that inserts into the gap between the device carrier and blind cover, designed to be larger in the longitudinal direction, allowing for varying gap dimensions and accommodating angled cuts, featuring a transverse cover that ensures tight closure and optional inner cover for enhanced sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If blind covers are cut to length on site to fit varying gap dimensions, then adaptability to different installation conditions is improved, but manufacturing precision and sealing reliability deteriorate due to imprecise cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying gap dimensionsVSAvoidcutting precision of blind covers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing device is introduced as an intermediary component between the blind cover and device carrier. This sealing device includes a transverse web that inserts into the gap and a transverse cover that seals the gap, absorbing the dimensional variations and cutting imprecisions. The sealing device acts as a buffer that accommodates varying gap dimensions while maintaining consistent sealing quality, eliminating the need for precise blind cover cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If blind covers are cut to length during installation, then ease of operation and installation is improved, but time consumption increases due to on-site cutting operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is designed to be pre-assembled with the blind cover as an integrated unit during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site cutting operations, as the pre-assembled unit can be directly installed in various gap configurations. The sealing device's flexible transverse cover accommodates different lengths without requiring additional on-site modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple gap covering method is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing reliability and IP54 protection rating deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing solution is segmented into distinct functional components: a transverse web for structural support and gap insertion, and a transverse cover for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The transverse web provides mechanical stability whereas the transverse cover provides the sealing function, achieving reliable IP54 protection through a relatively simple constructed device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2400209B1Lighting strip
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 RIDI LEUCHTEN GMBH
  • EP2400209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2400209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2400209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The light band (1) is provided with a support profile (2) for mounting on a wall or ceiling. The support profile is fixed on the equipment racks (3) for supporting an electrical load (4). A dummy cover (5) is provided between two adjacent equipment racks fixed on the support profile.