Stair Tread Light Strip Mounting Rail for Quick Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light strip solutions for public transport vehicle stairs require complete replacement of stair treads when the light strip fails, leading to significant material waste and cost, as they are not easily removable from the groove.

Innovation Solution

A mounting rail with a U-shaped cross-section is inserted into the groove, equipped with locking elements that secure it in place, allowing for easy replacement of the light strip without replacing the stair tread, and is made of transparent plastic to protect and illuminate the step.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the light strip is directly embedded in the groove of the stair tread, then the light strip is securely fixed, but the entire stair tread must be replaced when the light strip fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixation of light stripVSAvoidreplaceability of light strip
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional components: the stair tread, the mounting rail, and the light strip. The mounting rail acts as an intermediate carrier that can be independently removed and replaced, allowing the light strip to be exchanged without replacing the entire stair tread structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting rail serves as an intermediary component between the stair tread groove and the light strip. It provides a removable interface that enables easy replacement of the light strip while maintaining secure fixation during operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the light strip is directly embedded in the groove, then installation is simple, but material waste and costs increase due to complete tread replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of installationVSAvoidmaterial waste from tread replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lighting assembly from the stair tread through the introduction of a separate mounting rail, the system enables replacement of only the necessary components (mounting rail and light strip) rather than the entire tread, thereby reducing material waste while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting rail and light strip can be removed and replaced as a separate assembly, allowing the stair tread to be retained and reused. This prevents unnecessary disposal and replacement of the tread structure, reducing material waste and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If the light strip is exposed without protection, then installation is easier, but the light strip is vulnerable to damage from foot traffic and cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidprotection from damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rail acts as a protective intermediary that shields the light strip from direct exposure to foot traffic and cleaning activities. The rail can be designed with a protective cover that allows light transmission while preventing physical damage to the LEDs, thus enhancing reliability without complicating installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting rail can incorporate a transparent protective cover or shell that protects the light strip from mechanical damage while allowing light to pass through. This thin protective layer maintains ease of installation while providing necessary protection against foot traffic and water spray during cleaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 resource-saving replacement of the light strip by allowing it to be detached and reinserted, maintaining the stair tread's functionality while protecting the strip from damage, thus reducing material waste and maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

The mounting rail is made of transparent plastic, allowing the LEDs to emit light through it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through transparent material: Light

Implementation Method 2

The receiving groove is equipped with two locking means which provide for engagement from behind by a receiving rail with corresponding locking elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4253826B1Light strip assembly for a stair tread
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 FRENSCH
  • EP4253826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4253826B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a light strip arrangement, particularly for doors of a public transport vehicle, consisting of a stair step with a receiving groove 14 and a light strip 22 which can be inserted into the receiving groove 14, wherein the receiving groove 14 is located below the front visible edge. To enable the replacement of the light strips without time-consuming additional work, the invention provides that the receiving groove 14 is equipped with two locking elements which allow the receiving rail 1 with corresponding locking elements to engage from behind, and the light strip 22 is secured in the receiving rail 1. The locking elements of the receiving rail, in which the light strip is inserted, allow for the quick replacement of a defective light strip without the need for the time-consuming process of removing it from the receiving groove using a potting compound.