Scraper Spring Coupling for Light Strip Rail Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Generic systems for elongated lamps face issues with the mechanical coupling between mounting rails, leading to unstable attachment to structures, oscillating movements, and potential disconnection of the coupling, which complicates assembly and increases stress on the mechanical clutch.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical coupling system with scratch springs that deflect resiliently to securely fix the mounting rails relative to each other, ensuring reliable positioning and electrical contact, while minimizing space requirements and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical coupling is used to connect mounting rails, then the mounting rails can be fixed relative to each other, but the coupling may become unstable and oscillate, leading to potential disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing resilient elements (springs) into the mechanical coupling system. These springs allow the coupling to dynamically adapt to movements and forces, absorbing oscillations rather than rigidly resisting them. This dynamic approach prevents disconnection while maintaining stable attachment of the mounting rails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by incorporating resilient elements that预先 absorb and dampen oscillatory forces before they can cause disconnection. The springs are pre-installed in the coupling mechanism to cushion against potential instability and movements, preventing harmful effects before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If additional fasteners are used to secure the mechanical coupling to the support rails, then the coupling becomes more stable, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coupling function and fastening function into a single integrated mechanical coupling component. The resilient elements and mounting features are combined in one piece, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing assembly steps while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coupling is designed to be self-securing through its resilient elements that automatically engage with the support rails. The springs provide self-adjusting pressure and automatic locking without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-service in nature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mechanical coupling is designed to accommodate large movements, then it becomes more versatile, but the stress on the coupling components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement accommodationVSAvoidcoupling stress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the coupling by using resilient elements with specific elastic properties. The springs are designed with appropriate spring constants to accommodate movements within safe stress limits while providing sufficient force to maintain connection. This parameter optimization allows versatility without excessive stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient elements provide beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing forces before they can concentrate and cause excessive stress on coupling components. The springs preemptively handle movement forces, protecting the rigid parts of the coupling from high stress during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 mechanical coupling provides a stable and reliable attachment of the mounting rails, ensuring secure fixing and electrical connectivity, reducing assembly complexity and stress on the mechanical components.

Implementation Method 1

at least one scraper spring (3) which is spring-loaded and deflectable from a rest position against a support rail side wall (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the scraper spring (3) rests against one of the support rail side walls (11) of the two support rails (1), wherein the scraper spring (3), when deflecting from a rest position, generates a spring force directed towards the support rail side wall (11) against which the scraper spring (3) rests

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4002615A1Fastening of a coupling for a light strip system
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 TRILUX GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4002615A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4002615A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4002615A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for realizing a luminaire, components of the system of a luminaire, and a method for manufacturing the luminaire. The system comprises two support rails 1, two conductor rails arranged in the support rails 1, conductor wires, and a mechanical coupling 2 comprising coupling side walls 21, 22, and at least one scratch spring 3 arranged thereon, which is spring-elastically deflectable from a rest position and which fixes the support rails 1 in an operating position at each of their longitudinal ends relative to each other such that the scratch spring 3 is deflected in the operating position and bears against at least one side wall of the support rails 1.