Sealed LED Strip Contacting via Localized Seal Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED strip separation methods compromise the protective function and are costly, as they require expensive encapsulation or reduce flexibility in configuring strip lengths.
Innovation Solution
A method for contacting sealed LED strips by removing the sealing compound layer on both sides of the separation point, allowing for easy access to electrical contacts without additional sealing, using a tool with vertical and horizontal cuts, and attaching a connection element that penetrates the remaining sealing compound layer for secure contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing compound layer is removed completely to access electrical contacts, then contacting becomes easy, but the protective function and protection class are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing compound layer is selectively removed only in the local area above the electrical contacts to enable contacting, while the rest of the sealing layer remains intact to maintain the protective function and protection class of the LED strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing compound layer is divided into two functional zones: a removed section above the contacts for easy accessing, and a remaining section that continues to provide sealing and protection. This segmentation allows both contacting ease and protective function to coexist.
2Reliability
If encapsulation is performed after contacting to maintain protective function, then protection class is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing compound layer is pre-removed in the contact area before the LED strip is put into service, eliminating the need for subsequent encapsulation processes. This preliminary action maintains the protective function while avoiding additional manufacturing costs.
3Reliability
If encapsulated plug-in connectors are used, then protective function is maintained, but flexibility in configuring strip lengths is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED strip is designed with separation points that allow it to be divided into multiple sections. The sealing compound layer is removed at these separation points to expose contacts, enabling flexible configuration of strip lengths while maintaining the protective function through the remaining sealing layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED strip system transitions from a fixed, pre-encapsulated design to a dynamic, configurable system where sections can be separated and reconfigured. The remaining sealing compound layer provides continuous protection throughout the strip, including at the separation points, enabling adaptability without compromising protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for contacting a lighting device is provided, wherein the lighting device has a circuit board which is covered at least partly by a sealing compound layer; wherein the lighting device can be separated at a separating point into two lighting device sections and each of the lighting device sections has at least one electrical contact. The method may include: removing at least the sealing compound layer on both sides of the separation point so that the contacts remain covered by a thinner, remaining sealing compound layer; separating the lighting device at the separation point; attaching a connection element at least to the remaining sealing compound layer of at least one of the lighting device sections, wherein the connection element has at least one contacting element, which contacts a respective contact covered by the remaining sealing compound layer after a separation or penetration of the remaining sealing compound layer.