Suspended Track and Planar Electrode Systems and Methods
First Claim
1. ) An electrode and module system for electrical attachment comprising:
- an electrode comprising an attachment surface,a module having top and bottom surfaces wherein the bottom surface comprises an electrical contact pad configured to make an electrical connection to the electrode attachment surface,an attachment force directed substantially perpendicular to the electrode attachment surface,an insulating layer located between the bottom surface of the module and the electrode surface when the module is attached to the electrode,one or more electrically conducting spikes capable of piercing the insulating layer to make electrical continuity between the electrode and the contact pad when the attachment force is applied, andsealing means for protecting the electrical connection from environmental contamination, wherein the sealing means is compressed in a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface and a portion of the bottom surface of the module around the one or more spikes when the attachment force is applied.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Suspended and planar electrode systems and methods are disclosed for applications such as lighting. Some embodiments incorporate removable twist-on elements providing uniform spacing between cable rod or strip electrodes extending through space. Multiple electrodes may be attached simultaneously. Twist-on elements may contain light emitting elements electrically attached to parallel electrodes. Embodiments may include mounting features for fixing electrodes above a mounting surface. Some embodiments include electrically insulated electrodes and modules with insulation displacement contact elements and environmental sealing. Some embodiments include polymeric insulation on both the module and electrodes providing environmental sealing when modules are disconnected from electrodes. Electrodes in sealed systems may be suspended with spacers or built into planar arrays in walls, ceiling or furniture. Some embodiments include folded electrode gyrating tracks having mounting positions providing different axial and radial pointing directions. Modules may be attached to electrodes by mechanical or magnetic forces.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. ) An electrode and module system for electrical attachment comprising:
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an electrode comprising an attachment surface, a module having top and bottom surfaces wherein the bottom surface comprises an electrical contact pad configured to make an electrical connection to the electrode attachment surface, an attachment force directed substantially perpendicular to the electrode attachment surface, an insulating layer located between the bottom surface of the module and the electrode surface when the module is attached to the electrode, one or more electrically conducting spikes capable of piercing the insulating layer to make electrical continuity between the electrode and the contact pad when the attachment force is applied, and sealing means for protecting the electrical connection from environmental contamination, wherein the sealing means is compressed in a direction perpendicular to the attachment surface and a portion of the bottom surface of the module around the one or more spikes when the attachment force is applied. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. ) A system for environmental sealing of an electrical connection between a module and an electrode surface comprising:
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one or more insulation displacement spikes, one or more insulating layers wherein the insulating layers comprise compressible material, wherein the insulating layers are compressed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electrode surface when the module is electrically connected to the electrode surface and wherein the compressed insulating layers provide environmental sealing surrounding the one or more insulation displacement spikes between the module and electrode surface. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. ) An insulation displacement connection system for attaching a module to an electrode system comprising:
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a module comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface having one or more electrical contact pads wherein the electrical contact pads comprise one or more insulation displacement spikes, a module insulating layer covering an electrical contact pad, a light-emitting device capable of emitting light from the top surface when supplied with electrical power from the electrode, an electrode comprising an attachment surface for electrical connection to the module, and an electrode insulating layer wherein the electrode insulating layer covers the attachment surface; an attachment force for mechanically and electrically attaching the module to the electrode system wherein the one or more insulation displacement spikes pierce the module insulating layer and the electrode insulating layer when the attachment force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the electrode attachment surface and wherein the attachment force presses the module insulating layer against the electrode insulating layer to provide environmental sealing. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification