Spring Tension LED Clip Mounting on Oily Tubing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for mounting LED light modules on aluminum tubing in sign shops face adhesion issues due to oily residues, leading to inefficient attachment and potential detachment at elevated temperatures, necessitating the use of adhesives or screws, which are time-consuming and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A snap-on LED support clip system utilizing spring tension jaws that clamp onto the tubing without adhesives or screws, allowing for easy attachment and repositioning of LED light modules, made from materials like ABS or metal, ensuring secure clamping without the need for additional fastening methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If double-sided adhesive tape is used to mount LED light modules on aluminum tubing, then the mounting process is simple, but the adhesion fails due to oily residues on the aluminum surface, particularly at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidadhesion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mounting mechanism (clip assembly with spring tension jaws) that mediates between the LED module and aluminum tubing. This clip serves as a reliable connector that does not depend on direct adhesion to the oily aluminum surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple mounting and reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesion mechanism (adhesive tape) with a mechanical clamping system (spring tension jaws). This substitution eliminates the adhesion problem caused by oily residues while maintaining ease of installation through the snap-on mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If adhesives or screws are used to secure LED light modules, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the clip assembly with spring tension jaws, the LED module, and the support element. This segmentation allows for quick independent assembly without requiring adhesives or screws, thereby reducing mounting time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring tension jaws are pre-configured in the clip assembly to automatically engage and clamp the LED module when inserted into the support element. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming adhesive application or screw fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If adhesive tape is used for mounting, then the process is quick and simple, but the adhesive loses adhesion due to heat and oily surface, causing LED modules to detach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting speedVSAvoidattachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the heat-sensitive adhesive tape with a mechanical spring tension clamping system. The spring mechanism maintains consistent clamping force regardless of temperature changes, eliminating the stability problem while preserving quick mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting mechanism transitions from a chemical bond (adhesive) to a mechanical force (spring tension). This parameter change from chemical adhesion to mechanical clamping force ensures stable attachment across varying temperatures, as mechanical forces are less sensitive to thermal effects than adhesive bonds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 quick, secure, and adhesive-free mounting of LED light modules, facilitating easier replacement and repositioning, while maintaining stability and efficiency, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional attachment methods.

Implementation Method 1

A snap-on LED support clip system utilizing spring tension jaws that clamp onto the tubing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring tension: Spring

Implementation Method 2

spring tension jaws that clamp onto the tubing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11022282B2System and method for mounting LED light modules

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 NORTON SIDNEY HOWARD

AI summary

An LED support clip enables mounting of light-emitting diode (LED) modules onto support elements which may be pre-existing, such as tubing, while avoiding problems with current mounting methods. One or more LED light modules may be clamped into the LED support clip without the need for adhesives or screws, thereby forming an LED light assembly. One or more LED light assemblies may be clamped onto the support element. The LED support clip may comprise multiple clamps configured with spring tension jaws designed into the manufacturing process of the LED support clip. Support elements may be oriented horizontally, vertically or at various angles and may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including: square, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, “I”-shaped, “L”-shaped, and round, over a wide cross-sectional dimension range.