Column Luminaire Connection Interface for Moisture-Resistant Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing column luminaires are prone to moisture and water ingress, requiring complex layouts and sealing elements, and have cumbersome connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection interface with obliquely oriented fixing elements and axial abutment faces that allow for easy assembly and secure, moisture-resistant connections between columnar modules, using frictional and form fit connections without additional fixing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional flange sections with separate connection rings and fixing means are used, then the connection structure provides structural strength, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flange section and connection ring into a single integrated interface part. The L-shaped profile integrates the flange body and connection ring as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, sealing surface, and positioning features all in one component. The L-shaped profile performs both structural support and connection ring integration, reducing the number of parts needed.
2Reliability
If traditional separate fixing means are used, then the connection provides secure locking, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means is integrated into the interface part itself rather than being a separate component. The recesses and protrusions form a unified locking mechanism that provides secure connection while simplifying assembly to a single insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface parts are designed to self-align and self-lock through their complementary L-shaped profiles and integrated fixing features. The recesses and protrusions automatically engage when modules are brought together, eliminating the need for separate fixing operations.
3Reliability
If complex sealing elements are used to prevent moisture ingress, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the interface part design itself. The L-shaped profile and flange section incorporate sealing surfaces and moisture barriers as inherent features of the structural components, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements.
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
Facilitates easy installation, enhances structural strength, prevents moisture ingress, and reduces part complexity while ensuring secure, stable connections.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing element engages the connection section to apply a connection (e.g. frictional and/or form fit connection) between the first axial abutment face and the second axial abutment face so as to restrict or eliminate a relative rotational movement
Implementation Method 2
the fixing element engages the connection section to apply a connection (e.g. frictional and/or form fit connection) between the first axial abutment face and the second axial abutment face so as to restrict or eliminate a relative rotational movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a mechanical connection interface (5) for connecting columnar modules (2, 3, 4) of a column luminaire (1) along a connection axis (C), comprising an upper interface part (6) having a first abutment section (60) with a first axial abutment face (61) extending circumferentially about the connection axis (C) and a skirt section (62) axially extending from the first abutment section (60) to delimit a connection space (63) to which the first axial abutment face (61) is facing, and a lower interface part (7) having a second abutment section (70) with a second axial abutment face (71) extending circumferentially about the connection axis (C), wherein, in a connected state, the lower interface part (7) is received in the connection space (63) at least with its second axial abutment face (71) so that the first and second axial abutment faces (61, 71) are facing each other in an axial direction, and wherein the upper interface part (6) further comprises a fixing element (8) being provided to be moveable along a fixing axis (F) being obliquely oriented with respect to the connection axis (C) between a release position, in which the fixing element (8) is radially distanced from a connection section (74) of the lower interface part (7) so as to allow a relative rotational movement of the upper and lower interface parts (6, 7) about the connection axis (C), and a connection position, in which the fixing element (8) engages the connection section (74) to apply a connection between the first and second axial abutment faces (61, 71) so as to restrict or eliminate a relative rotational movement of the upper and lower interface parts (6, 7) about the connection axis (C). The present invention is further directed to a column luminaire (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) and comprising at least two columnar modules (2, 3, 4) being connected by the mechanical connection interface (5) according to the invention.