Modular Light Strip with Removable Tray and Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light strips lack modularity, making it difficult to replace components such as LEDs and lenses in the field, which can lead to changes in lighting requirements over time, and they do not provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance while protecting fragile internal components.
Innovation Solution
A modular light strip design featuring a housing with a tray and LED assembly, where the lens is snap-fit attached and can be easily replaced, with light-transmissive end caps allowing light emission and opaque end caps preventing light leakage, ensuring the light strip's appearance is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light strip uses a non-modular integrated design, then the structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but component replacement in the field becomes difficult and lighting requirements cannot be adapted over time
Solution Approach 1:
The light strip is divided into separate modular components including a housing, a removable tray containing LEDs, and a separate lens assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently replaced in the field without affecting the entire light strip structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different LED configurations and lens types. The standardized tray interface allows various LED arrangements and lens assemblies to be interchanged, providing multi-functionality and adaptability for different lighting requirements.
2Ease of repair
If the light strip components are made accessible for field replacement, then maintenance and upgrades become easier, but the aesthetic appearance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tray containing the LEDs is extracted as a separate removable component from the housing. This allows the tray to be easily removed and replaced for maintenance or upgrades while the housing and lens remain in place, preserving the aesthetic appearance of the light strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is nested within the housing structure, allowing it to be easily inserted and removed without affecting the external appearance. The tray fits precisely within the housing contours, maintaining the sleek aesthetic design while providing access to internal components for maintenance.
3Illumination intensity
If end caps are made translucent to allow light emission, then light output is improved, but light leakage control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The end caps are designed with different optical properties in different regions: the portions facing the LEDs are translucent to allow light emission, while the outer surfaces are configured to control and direct light output. This local differentiation of optical properties enables simultaneous light transmission and leakage control.
Solution Approach 2:
The end caps serve as an intermediary element between the LED light source and the external environment. They selectively transmit light from the LEDs while controlling and directing the light output, preventing unwanted leakage in specific directions through their geometric configuration and material properties.
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
The modular design allows for field replacement of components, enhancing flexibility in meeting changing lighting needs without compromising the aesthetic appearance, while protecting internal components.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second end caps are configured to allow light to pass from the LED assembly and be emitted outward beyond the first and second ends of the housing
Implementation Method 2
An LED assembly comprising LEDs that emit light outward away from the housing and the tray
Data Source
AI summary
A light strip that includes a housing with an elongated shape. A tray is attached to the housing and is positioned in the housing. An LED assembly is mounted to the tray and includes LED elements that emit light outward away from the tray. An elongated lens with a central section is configured to extend over the LED assembly. Inner end caps are positioned at ends of the lens with the inner ends caps being light-transmissive. Outer end caps are positioned at ends of the housing outward from the inner end caps with the outer end caps being opaque.