Serially-connectable Light String with Modular Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light strings have a fixed length, making it difficult to elongate them without soldering, which can be challenging with thin power wires and often results in soldering defects.
Innovation Solution
A serially-connectable light string design featuring parallel power wires with electrical connectors and terminal pins, allowing for easy connection of multiple strings in series without soldering, using a terminal-shorting pin to complete the circuit and a fixing case for waterproofing and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multiple light strings are soldered together to elongate the length, then the length of the light string is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases and soldering defects occur due to thin power wires
Solution Approach 1:
The light string is divided into multiple modular segments, each with integrated electrical connectors at its ends. These segments can be connected in series by simply plugging them together, eliminating the need for soldering operations. The segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining electrical connectivity through the connector interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical connectors serve as intermediary components between light string segments. These connectors include terminal pins that establish electrical contact between adjacent segments, allowing current to flow continuously through the series connection without requiring direct soldering of the thin power wires to each other.
2Length of moving object
If soldering is used to connect light strings, then the length can be extended, but soldering defects result due to thin power wires
Solution Approach 1:
The light string system is segmented into modular units with built-in connectors, replacing the unreliable soldered joints with robust mechanical-electrical connector interfaces. This segmentation isolates potential failure points and allows for easier replacement of defective segments without affecting the entire string.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector acts as a reliable intermediary that ensures consistent electrical contact between segments. The connector's terminal pins provide stable mechanical and electrical connection, eliminating the variability and potential defects associated with soldering thin power wires.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light strings are made flexible like the power wire, then the light string can be arranged in any configuration, but it becomes difficult to solder connections on thin power wires
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible light string is divided into rigid or semi-rigid modular segments that maintain flexibility at the connector interfaces. Each segment retains the flexibility characteristics of the power wire while incorporating durable connector housings that can withstand repeated connection and disconnection cycles, enabling both arrangement versatility and reliable manufacturing.
4Ease of operation
If electrical connectors are added to enable series connection, then the ease of connection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is merged with the light string segment itself, forming an integrated assembly where the connector housing, terminal pins, and LED components are combined into a single modular unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate connector components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of connection through simple plug-and-play interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A serially-connectable light string includes a first power wire, a second power wire, a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. The first power wire and the second power wire are arranged in parallel. The first electrical connector is connected to one end of first power wire and one end of the second power wire. The second electrical connector is connected to the other end of first power wire and the other end of the second power wire. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector respectively include a plurality terminal portions corresponding to the first power wire and the second power wire.