Low Voltage Lighting Assembly with Concealed Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low voltage lighting assemblies and systems are difficult to install, often requiring wire splicing and structural modifications, which can be cumbersome and detract from aesthetic appeal, especially for homeowners and contractors without special training.
Innovation Solution
A low voltage lighting assembly with a circuit card featuring a spanning zone that conceals electrical connectors and components, using RJ45 connectors for easy connection and power distribution, allowing for simple installation without extensive modifications, and a lighting system that includes a power supply and switch module for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire splicing is used to connect lighting assemblies, then electrical connections can be established, but installation becomes onerous and reliability decreases due to improper connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wire splicing with a modular electrical connector system. Pre-assembled connector assemblies with integrated wire management eliminate the need for field splicing, providing reliable electrical connections through simple plug-and-play interfaces that require no special training or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs wire preparation and connection assembly in advance during manufacturing. Wires are pre-stranded, pre-insulated, and pre-connected to terminals before the product reaches the customer, eliminating complex field installation steps and ensuring professional-grade connections are made under controlled conditions.
2Reliability
If junction boxes are used to protect wire splices, then electrical connections are protected, but installation complexity increases and aesthetic appeal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wire connection and protection functions from separate components (wire splices and junction boxes) and integrates them into a single pre-assembled connector assembly. This eliminates the need for separate junction boxes while maintaining electrical protection through built-in insulation and shielding within the connector housing.
3Ease of operation
If existing structures are modified to mount lighting assemblies, then lighting can be installed, but substantial modification is required and aesthetic appeal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin, flexible circuit boards and slim connector housings that can be concealed within existing structure thicknesses. The low-profile design allows installation within standard wall, ceiling, and floor constructions without requiring structural modifications, while the flexible nature accommodates various installation geometries.
4Reliability
If components are made bulky to accommodate connectors and wires, then electrical connections are established, but components become difficult to conceal and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple functional elements within compact hierarchical structures. Wires are bundled and routed through channels within the connector housing, terminals are integrated into the housing structure, and the entire assembly is contained within a minimal envelope that can be concealed within standard construction cavities.
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
Enables easy and reliable installation of low voltage lighting systems with high aesthetic appeal, minimizing complexity and effort, while providing independent control of lighting elements.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one lighting element comprises at least one LED
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides low voltage lighting assemblies and lighting systems that are easy to install, and are particularly useful in landscape lighting applications. Electrical connections between all components, including lighting assemblies, switches, power supplies, etc., are simplified through use of connectors. In one embodiment a lighting assembly comprises a circuit card having first and second zones, and a spanning zone that separates the first zone from the second zone by a selected distance. The electrical connectors and other elements are disposed in the first zone, and at least one lighting element such as an LED is disposed in the second zone. Installation of the embodiments requires little or no modification of the structures in which they are installed, since the spanning zone is adapted to span across the structure. The electrical connectors and other elements in the first zone are concealed by the structure, and substantially only the compact, low-profile second zone with the LED is exposed, producing a highly aesthetic result.