Modular Light String Connectors for Replaceable LED Lamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light strings suffer from non-separable light-emitting elements that render the entire string inoperative upon failure, lack of easy replacement options, limited brightness and color choices, and require additional rectifier units for alternating current operation.
Innovation Solution
A light string design featuring plug-in connectors and lamp interfaces that allow easy assembly and disassembly of light-emitting portions, enabling electrical connection without tools, and incorporating PCB-based elements with staggered electrodes for flicker-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If light-emitting elements are connected to wires through non-separable methods such as riveting or welding, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the entire light string becomes inoperative when a single element fails
Solution Approach 1:
The light string is divided into modular light-emitting portions that can be independently replaced. Each light-emitting portion includes a light-emitting element, lampshade, and plug-in connector that can be separated from the wire, allowing individual replacement without affecting other portions of the light string.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection method transitions from fixed non-separable connections to dynamic plug-in connections. The plug-in connector enables the light-emitting portion to be easily connected and disconnected from the wire through simple plugging actions, providing flexibility for replacement and repair.
2Ease of repair
If traditional bulb structures with threaded connections are used, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional threading mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The complex threaded connection mechanism is removed and replaced with a simplified plug-in connector. The connector achieves reliable electrical and mechanical connection through simple plugging actions without requiring threading operations, reducing structural complexity while maintaining ease of replacement.
3Device complexity
If each light-emitting element contains only a single LED, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination intensity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED chips are integrated onto a single PCB-based light-emitting element. This consolidation allows the element to provide higher illumination intensity and diverse color options while maintaining simple modular replacement, as the entire PCB assembly functions as one replaceable unit rather than requiring individual LED replacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rectifier unit is added at the plug to enable alternating current operation, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB-based light-emitting element is designed with universal electrical compatibility to work directly with alternating current sources. The PCB circuitry integrates multiple LEDs with staggered electrodes that can operate without additional rectifier units, eliminating the need for separate rectification components while maintaining compatibility with standard electrical outlets.
Data Source
AI summary
A light string includes a wire portion and a plurality of lamp interfaces sequentially and electrically connected in series with the wire portion, the light string further includes light-emitting portions pluggably connected with the lamp interfaces. The light-emitting portion comprises a light-emitting element, a lampshade located outside the light-emitting element, and a plug-in connector connected with the lampshade, wherein the plug-in connector is provided with a first conductive member and a second conductive member, the first conductive member and the second conductive member being capable of electrically connecting the light-emitting element with the wire portion when the plug-in connector is inserted into the lamp interface. By adopting a plug-in connection method between the light-emitting portion and the lamp interface, the present disclosure facilitates replacement for users, greatly reduces the use cost, and avoids waste of the light string.