Cladding Panel Edge Profile with Integrated Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing profile systems for closing or delimiting panel cladding on surfaces lack the ability to integrate lighting functionality while maintaining protection and decorative aspects, limiting their application scope.

Innovation Solution

A profile system featuring an elongated profile with a fastening leg, a limiting leg, and side legs that accommodates a lamp, combined with a lens cover for adjustable lighting, made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel, allowing for both protective and visually appealing lighting effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a profile system is designed to protect panel edges, then protection function is achieved, but lighting functionality cannot be integrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication scopeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protective profile structure with lighting functionality by integrating a lamp housing and light source directly into the profile system. The profile serves dual purposes: protecting panel edges and providing illumination, thereby expanding application scope without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The profile system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical protection of panel edges, structural support, and light emission. This multi-functionality allows the same system to be used in various applications requiring both protection and lighting, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If lighting functionality is integrated into the profile, then application scope is expanded, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication scopeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into separate modular components: a lamp housing that attaches to the profile, a removable lens cover, and a light source. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled through simple snap-fit or screw connections, minimizing the impact on manufacturing complexity while enabling lighting functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If the lens cover is made removable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lens cover is designed with a removable attachment mechanism that transitions between a secure locked state during operation and an easily removable state for maintenance. The dynamic attachment system allows the cover to be firmly fixed during use to maintain structural integrity, yet can be quickly removed when maintenance is needed, balancing both requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If adhesive is used to fix the fastening leg, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability in wet environments may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidfixing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening leg is pre-equipped with integrated mounting features such as mechanical attachment elements or pre-applied adhesive strips that provide immediate securing capability. This preliminary preparation allows for both easy installation and reliable fixation in wet environments, as the mechanical or pre-prepared adhesive connection is designed from the outset to withstand moisture conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2754776B1Profile system for bordering cladding panels
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 SCHLUTER SYST KG
  • EP2754776B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The profile system (1) has an elongate profile (2) which has mounting legs (6) and a subsequent profile section (9) arranged transversely, especially at right angles to the mounting legs which extend transversely from the leg boundary (10). A light source (3) is arranged at right angles from the free ends of the leg boundary and is extended in direction opposite to the side limbs (11,12). In the normal state of light source, a U-shaped profile section is arranged in the receiving space and the elongate profile is fixed with the lens covers (4,5).