Modular LED Light Bar with Cut-to-Length Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional undercabinet and task light bars have fixed-length power cables, limiting customization and flexibility in installation, and often require professional installation due to pre-set lengths and complex wiring configurations.
Innovation Solution
A customizable undercabinet lighting kit with a spool of three-wire electrical cable that can be cut to desired lengths, featuring easy push-and-lock connectors and a control box with a transformer and rectifier for DC power, allowing users to interconnect multiple light bars with a simple, user-friendly installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length power cables are used in conventional light bars, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but installation flexibility and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power cable is divided into modular segments with standardized connectors at each end. Users can connect multiple cable segments together to achieve the desired total length, transforming a single fixed-length cable into a customizable modular system that adapts to various installation distances while maintaining simple connector interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable length is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows users to determine the optimal cable length for each installation scenario by connecting appropriate numbers of modular cable segments, enabling the product to adapt to different workspace configurations and power outlet locations.
2Ease of operation
If pre-configured wiring systems are used in conventional light bars, then installation time is reduced, but user accessibility and DIY installation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed for self-service installation by end users without requiring professional electricians. The modular cable segments with standardized connectors enable users to easily assemble and configure the lighting system themselves, transforming a professionally-installed product into an accessible DIY solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring system is segmented into standardized modular components with uniform connectors. This segmentation creates a simple, repeatable connection process that users can perform themselves, eliminating the need for complex pre-configured wiring that requires professional installation while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If excess cable length is provided in conventional light bars, then installation flexibility is improved, but cable clutter and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cable length is made dynamic and adjustable rather than providing excessive fixed length. Users can configure the exact cable length needed for their specific installation by connecting appropriate numbers of modular segments, eliminating unnecessary excess cable that would create clutter while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different installation distances.
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 flexible and customizable lighting configurations, allowing users to tailor lighting setups to specific workspaces without professional assistance, reducing excess cable clutter and enabling easy expansion of the lighting system with additional light bars.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connector includes a receiving hole and a biased clamp wired to the LED strip
Implementation Method 2
The control box has an AC adapter including a transformer and an AC/DC rectifier to receive and convert incoming AC power to output DC power
Implementation Method 3
The control box has an AC adapter including a transformer and an AC/DC rectifier to receive and convert incoming AC power to output DC power
Implementation Method 4
an LED strip disposed within the housing along the elongated length having a plurality of LEDs emitting light through the lens
Data Source
AI summary
An undercabinet light kit using LED lighting and low voltage DC electricals is disclosed. The kit is supplied with a plurality of LED light bars containing LEDs emitting a preselected CCT color temperature. The kit includes a digital control box for system on/off, IR motion detection, and auto shutoff timing. The kit further includes a spool of three-wire electrical cabling that is cut by the end user into cable segments having custom lengths, then used to wire the plurality of light bars and the control box in series. The cable segments are press-fitted into the light bars and control box for an electrical connection without need for special tools or skill.