Linear Light Coupling Adapter for Modular LED Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The electrical connection of circuit boards in linear lights during assembly is cumbersome, especially when accessing ceiling-mounted installations, due to difficult cabling and the need to disconnect and reassemble long linear lights for maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A linear light design featuring a support profile, optics, and a coupling adapter that allows detachable mounting of optics and circuit boards, with current paths on the circuit boards enabling power distribution through the coupling adapter, eliminating the need for external wiring and allowing vertical or horizontal coupling for efficient assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If circuit boards are electrically connected during installation using traditional wiring methods, then the linear light can be assembled and function, but the electrical connection becomes cumbersome and difficult to access, especially in ceiling-mounted installations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrical connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of wiring and assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electrical connection function with the mechanical mounting structure by integrating contact elements directly into the support profile and circuit board edges. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring steps, making the electrical connection as simple as the mechanical assembly process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit boards are designed with edge-mounted contact elements that automatically engage with corresponding contacts in the support profile during the mounting process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external wiring operations, as the electrical connection is established automatically when the circuit board is inserted into the support profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Area of stationary object

If long linear lights are assembled with multiple circuit boards connected in series, then the light can cover larger areas, but maintenance requires disassembly from one end to the defective board, which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area of linear lightVSAvoidease of maintenance and board replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The linear light system is segmented into modular circuit board units that can be independently removed and replaced. Each circuit board is designed as a self-contained module with its own contact elements, allowing individual boards to be accessed and replaced without affecting the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system incorporates detachable connections that allow circuit boards to be easily inserted and removed from the support profile. This dynamic design enables maintenance personnel to access and replace specific defective boards by simply detaching the relevant section, rather than disassembling the entire linear light from one end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the linear light is designed with a low profile for flush installation in ceilings and walls, then the aesthetic appearance and integration are improved, but the assembly and electrical connection become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile height of linear lightVSAvoidease of assembly and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the electrical connection interface from a lateral connection method to an edge-based connection method. By mounting contact elements on the edges of circuit boards and using corresponding contacts in the support profile, the system achieves compact integration without requiring lateral space for wiring, thus maintaining a low profile while simplifying assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 simplifies assembly and maintenance by allowing individual units of optics and light sources to be easily inserted or removed without affecting others, reducing overall height for flush installation in ceilings or walls, and enabling efficient power supply without separate connections.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the front surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3214366B1Linear light and method for mounting the same
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 REGENT BELEUCHTUNGSKORPER
  • EP3214366B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3214366B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3214366B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A linear lamp (1) comprises a mounting profile (4), optics (5), a light source, and a coupling adapter (3). The light source includes several circuit boards (2), each with a front surface (21) and a back surface (26), and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the front surface (21). The mounting profile (4) and the optics (5) each have corresponding mounting means (43, 53) so that the optics (5) can be mounted on the mounting profile (4). The optics (5) at least partially covers the LEDs (22) of the light source when the optics (5) and the light source are mounted on the mounting profile (4). The multiple circuit boards (2) of the light source are each equipped with current paths (24) via which the LEDs (22) can be supplied with current. The coupling adapter (3) connects the current paths (24) of two adjacent of the several circuit boards (2) when the light source is mounted on the support profile (4).The linear light (1) allows for easy installation and maintenance in a compact design.