Modular Illuminating Tile With Flexible Circuit Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illuminating tiles lack the ability to create random or programmed light effects similar to traditional ceramic tiles, both indoors and outdoors, and do not offer a modular structure for easy fitting and creative visual appearances.
Innovation Solution
A modular illuminating tile design featuring a printed circuit board with light-emitting diodes, a protective translucent adhesive layer, and a flexible connection system that allows for various patterns and configurations, including wireless communication and energy harvesting, to create a water-tight and durable surface for decorative and informative purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are fastened directly in the tiles, then illumination function is achieved, but the structure becomes thicker and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into separate modular components: a thin flexible circuit board containing the light sources and electronics, and a separate adhesive layer for mounting. This segmentation allows the illumination function to be achieved while keeping each component thin and simple, avoiding the need for a thick integrated structure.
2Reliability
If a protective cover is added to protect internal components, then reliability against environmental factors is improved, but the overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin flexible circuit board as both a structural support and a protective element for the internal components. The flexible nature of this thin film allows it to provide protection without adding significant thickness, maintaining the tile's sleek profile while ensuring reliability against environmental factors.
3Ease of operation
If modular design with connection means is implemented, then ease of installation and configurability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal connection means on the flexible circuit board that can accommodate multiple tile configurations. These standardized connectors enable easy installation and reconfiguration of tiles in various patterns while maintaining a simple, consistent interface design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication and energy harvesting components are integrated, then functionality and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wireless communication and energy harvesting components directly onto the flexible circuit board, integrating multiple functions into a single manufacturing platform. This consolidation approach enables enhanced adaptability and functionality while actually simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate assembly steps and components.
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 tile system provides a flexible and durable solution for creating customizable light effects, resistant to environmental factors, with the ability to connect tiles in diverse patterns and configurations, offering a creative visual appearance while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one illuminating element (LED) mounted on the carrier board
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive layer 12, in present case a transparent one, is applied on the carrier board 8... providing an appropriate base for gluing mosaic pieces 13 letting the light through to a predefined extent
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A modular illuminating tile (1) comprising a carrier board (8); at least one illuminating element (10) fixed on the carrier board (8); power supply supplying electrical energy to the illuminating element (10), a protective cover associated with the illuminating element (10). The at least one illuminating element (10) is soldered on the carrier board (8); the power supply is connected via wiring (9) to at least one electrical connecting means (11) adjoined mechanically on the carrier board (8), whereas the at least one connecting means (1 1) is fixed on the carrier board (8) so as to permit arbitrarily mechanical and electrical serial connection of several modular illuminating tiles (1).