Rotatable LED Light Tube End Caps for Signage Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED light tubes struggle to be easily installed in existing fluorescent light box structures without requiring complex re-wiring or dismantling, and they often lack the ability to be rotated for directional illumination, which is necessary for effective signage visibility from multiple angles.
Innovation Solution
The development of LED light tubes with rotatable end cap assemblies that can be easily installed in existing fluorescent light box structures by creating an electrical bypass around the ballast, allowing the LED tubes to be mounted with rotatable end caps that can be adjusted to direct light in desired directions, eliminating the need for new wiring and complex installation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED light tubes are installed in existing fluorescent light box structures, then energy efficiency and lifespan are improved, but installation complexity increases due to wiring and socket configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube is divided into modular segments with individual sockets at each end, allowing the tube to be installed in fluorescent fixtures without requiring complete rewiring. Each module can be independently connected to existing wiring, simplifying the conversion from fluorescent to LED lighting while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.
2Ease of manufacture
If LED light tubes are designed with fixed orientation, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability for different signage directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube incorporates rotatable end caps with cam mechanisms that allow the tube to be rotated to different orientations after installation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same manufactured tube to adapt to various signage directions and mounting configurations, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing directional versatility.
3Loss of energy
If existing fluorescent lighting systems are replaced with LED systems, then energy costs are reduced, but installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tubes are pre-assembled with integrated sockets and electrical connections configured for direct compatibility with existing fluorescent fixtures. This preliminary preparation allows installers to simply replace the lighting tubes without performing complex rewiring or modification work, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements while achieving energy cost savings.
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 easy retrofitting of LED light tubes into existing fluorescent light box systems, providing flexible directional illumination without the need for extensive re-wiring or dismantling, enhancing signage visibility and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit board having a plurality of light emitting diode chips mounted thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Light emitting diode (LED) light tubes having rotatable end cap assemblies are described. The LED light tubes include a hollow tube and a circuit board with LED chips thereon. The end cap assemblies are provided on either end of the tube. Each end cap assembly includes a socket cap, a plug having a plug body and at least one connector, and an end cap body, one end of which engages one of the ends of the hollow tube. A cam locking mount that is positioned within the plug body and on the opposite side has projections to be positioned in the bore of the end cap body. A rotation cam is seated in the cam locking mount and provides for controlled rotation of the LED tube relative to the end caps. Methods of installing the LED light tubes in new installations and retrofit installations and for use in sign assemblies are also described.