Rear LED Module Plug Connection Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of installing LED-based lighting modules due to the need for specialist handling of open live lines and visible cable routing on the component side of circuit boards, making installation difficult and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A lamp module design featuring a circuit board with electrical connections on one side only, utilizing a plug connection that allows for rear-side access and elimination of double-sided conductive boards, enabling simpler installation and insulation, with optional adhesive seals for moisture and dust protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical connections are made on the component side of the circuit board, then electrical power can be supplied to LEDs, but installation becomes complex and expensive requiring specialist handling of open live lines and visible cable routing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by providing electrical access from the rear side of the circuit board instead of the component side. The opening in the circuit board allows coupling pieces to engage from the rear, enabling power supply without exposing live lines on the visible component side. This inversion resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable electrical connection while eliminating the need for specialist installation handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the electrical connection interface from the two-dimensional component side to the rear side dimension. By creating an opening through the circuit board and providing coupling pieces that engage from the rear, the invention moves the connection point to a different spatial dimension that is not visible in the final lamp assembly, thus simplifying installation while maintaining electrical reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a double-sided conductive circuit board is used to provide rear-side access, then electrical connections can be made from the back, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the circuit board into two functional zones: the component side for LED mounting and the rear side for electrical access. By providing a localized opening and coupling piece structure rather than making the entire board double-sided conductive, the invention reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while still enabling rear-side connection access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the conventional component side location and relocates it to the rear side through the opening. This extraction allows the use of a simpler single-sided conductive board with a localized access point, avoiding the need for expensive double-sided conductive boards while maintaining the benefit of rear-side installation access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If coupling pieces protrude onto the back of the circuit board, then electrical connections are accessible from the rear, but the back surface becomes uneven preventing easy heat sink contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection accessibilityVSAvoidback surface flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the coupling pieces within recesses or openings in the circuit board rather than having them protrude outward. This nesting approach allows electrical connections to be accessible from the rear while maintaining a flat outer surface that can easily contact heat sinks. The coupling pieces are contained within the board structure, combining both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2603957B1Rear connection for a LED support
Publication Date: 2015.04.15 SITECO BELEUCHTUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2603957B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2603957B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2603957B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a light module for connection to a light, wherein the light module has a circuit board with a population face, on which a plurality of LEDs and electrical conductor tracks for making electrical contact with the LEDs are arranged, wherein the board has at least one opening and a coupling piece of a plug connection is fixed to the board in the area of the opening, in which a mating coupling piece on the light side can engage from the rear face of the board opposite the population face, wherein the opening forms an electrical connection from the population face to the rear face of the board in order to supply the LEDs with electrical power from the rear face of the light module.