Automated system and method for manufacturing an LED light strip having an integrally formed connector
First Claim
1. A method of forming an integral LED light strip, comprising:
- supplying to an extruder a continuous length of assembled LED light circuits affixed to a substrate; and
continuously extruding a thermoplastic material around the continuous length of assembled LED light circuits and the substrate to form a continuous voidless protective light circuit housing that shields the LED light circuits from moisture.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An integrally formed single piece light strip and light strip manufacturing system. The light strip also includes a substrate populated with a plurality of LED light circuits. A plurality of bus elements are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance and are in electrical communication with the plurality of light circuits. A plastic material is extruded around the plurality of light circuits and the substrate to completely encapsulates the bus elements and the plurality of light circuits to provide a protective housing. In one embodiment, an electrical connector is also integrally formed as part of the light strip to eliminate the need for separate connectors. The light strip is o manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration, thereby allowing the strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of forming an integral LED light strip, comprising:
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supplying to an extruder a continuous length of assembled LED light circuits affixed to a substrate; and
continuously extruding a thermoplastic material around the continuous length of assembled LED light circuits and the substrate to form a continuous voidless protective light circuit housing that shields the LED light circuits from moisture. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of forming an integral light strip, comprising:
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supplying to an extruder a continuous length of assembled light circuits affixed to a thermoplastic substrate; and
continuously extruding a material that includes the same thermoplastic as the substrate around the continuous length of assembled light circuits and the substrate to form a continuous voidless protective light circuit housing that shields the light circuits from moisture. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification