Systems and methods for simulating neon lighting using light emitting diodes

An illumination system for simulating neon lighting, comprising:

• an elongated guide, forming a length, the elongated guide comprising an outer surface and a channel, located opposite the outer surface, the channel comprising an engagement member;
• a housing, forming a length, the housing comprising an engagement member and area for receiving a light engine assembly, the engagement member of the housing positioned to contact the engagement member of the elongated guide;
• and
• the light engine, forming a length, the light engine comprising:
• a flexible printed circuit (FPC) running the length of the housing;
• a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) attached to the FPC, each of the plurality of LEDs positioned to emit light in the direction of the outer surface of the elongated guide;
• and
• a plurality of electrical connectors, attached in a sequence, each electrical connector maintaining a structure of the FPC and the plurality of LEDs,
• the FPC creating a gathering of material between each of the plurality of electrical connectors, each of the plurality of electrical connectors coming into contact with a power conductor, the power conductor being the length of the light engine.

A method for reducing forces between electrical connectors within an illumination system for simulating neon lighting, comprising:

• receiving a flexible printed circuit (FPC) into an ingress of a first electrical connector, the first electrical connector comprising a top and a base;
• positioning the FPC on the top of the first electrical connector;
• passing the FPC out of an egress of the first electrical connector;
• contouring the FPC passed out of the egress into a FPC gathering of material;
• supplying the FPC gathering into an ingress of a second electrical connector, the second electrical connector comprising a top and a base;
• positioning the FPC on the top of the second electrical connector, and
• attaching at least one LED to a portion of the FPC located on the top of the first electrical connector and attaching at least one LED to a portion of the FPC located on the top of the second electrical connector.