Sealed Touch Controller for Waterproof LED Light Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED light string or light strip power controllers face issues with reduced waterproofing over time due to silica gel sleeve hardening and deformation, leading to potential short circuits, and have complex and costly manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A touch controller design that integrates a touch input unit within a liquid-sealed cavity between the housing and end cover, eliminating the need for through holes and ensuring absolute waterproofness by generating trigger signals through touch, thus simplifying the structure and enhancing usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a silica gel sleeve is installed in the assembly hole to seal the gap between the assembly hole and the key switch, then waterproof effect is achieved in the initial stage, but the silica gel sleeve gradually hardens and sealing performance is reduced over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the silica gel sleeve from the sealing structure and replaces it with a waterproof seal ring made of different material properties. The seal ring is installed in a groove on the end cover, creating a permanent sealing solution that does not degrade over time like the silica gel sleeve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing component from silica gel (which hardens over time) to a rubber or elastomeric material that maintains its sealing properties throughout the service life. This material substitution resolves the degradation issue while maintaining waterproof effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the silica gel sleeve is used to seal the gap, then waterproofing is initially effective, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the silica gel sleeve and its associated assembly complexity by integrating the sealing function directly into the end cover through a molded groove and seal ring arrangement. This simplifies the overall structure and reduces the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the end cover structure itself by incorporating a groove directly into the end cover molding. The seal ring is then simply installed in this groove, combining the housing and sealing features into a more integrated assembly.
3Ease of operation
If entity keys are used for control, then operation is possible, but the housing and end cover require through holes which compromise waterproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key switch with a capacitive touch input unit that detects touch through the end cover material. This eliminates the need for physical through-holes while maintaining operational capability, as the touch sensing works through the non-conductive end cover material.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cover material itself serves as an intermediary that transmits the touch signal from the user's finger to the touch input unit beneath it. This allows the control function to be accessed through the sealed end cover without compromising waterproofing.
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 touch controller achieves improved waterproofing and convenience in operation by eliminating entity keys and ensuring that the touch input unit can generate trigger signals without compromising the sealing, reducing the risk of short circuits and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
a touch input unit positioned in the accommodating cavity, the touch input unit being electrically connected with the light-emitting control circuit, one part of the touch input unit being matched with the housing or the end cover, and when a touch behavior is applied to the part, matched with the touch input unit, of the housing or the end cover, a trigger signal is provided for the light-emitting control circuit through the touch input unit
Data Source
AI summary
A touch controller for an LED light string or light strip is disclosed. The touch controller includes a housing an end cover connected with the housing, a liquid-sealed accommodating cavity being defined between the end cover and the housing, a printed circuit board positioned in the accommodating cavity, a light-emitting control circuit being arranged on the printed circuit board, a touch input unit positioned in the accommodating cavity, the touch input unit being electrically connected with the light-emitting control circuit, one part of the touch input unit being matched with the housing or the end cover, and when a touch behavior is applied to the part, matched with the touch input unit, of the housing or the end cover, a trigger signal is provided for the light-emitting control circuit through the touch input unit.