One-Piece Elastic Pressure Compensation Device for Lamp Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure compensation devices for high IP protection class lamps are complex, bulky, and difficult to use in lamps with limited space, as they require a special chamber and are prone to moisture ingress, which affects their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece pressure compensation device made of elastic material with a funnel-shaped air supply line and a collar for secure fixation in the lamp housing, ensuring effective pressure equalization without water ingress, featuring a filter holder and an opening at the front end with a sealing lip for secure installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure compensation device is installed to equalize pressure and prevent moisture ingress, then protection class is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring a special chamber, filter holder, and multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection classVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure equalization function, filter holder, and sealing elements into a single integrated pressure compensation device made of elastic material. This merging of functions into one component reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the required protection class.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure compensation device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it equalizes pressure between the interior and exterior of the lamp housing, filters incoming air through an integrated filter holder, provides sealing through an integrated sealing lip, and allows for simple installation via an integrated collar. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

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

2Reliability

If a pressure compensation device with a special chamber and filter holder is used, then pressure equalization function is improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to use in lamps with limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure equalization functionVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the filter holder and sealing elements directly into the pressure compensation device body, eliminating the need for separate chambers and components. This integration significantly reduces the overall volume of the device while maintaining all necessary functions for pressure equalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure compensation device is made entirely of elastic material, allowing it to be flexible and adaptable to limited spaces. The elastic nature enables the device to deform during installation and operation, fitting into compact lamp housing configurations without compromising its pressure equalization function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If the pressure compensation device is made of elastic material with integrated components, then ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for the one-piece construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a one-piece pressure compensation device that integrates multiple functions (pressure equalization, filtration, sealing, and installation features) into a single molded component. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating assembly steps while the elastic material allows for tolerance compensation during molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of elastic material allows for parameter changes in the manufacturing process, such as adjusting mold temperature and pressure, to achieve the required precision for the integrated components. The material's elasticity provides a buffer against minor dimensional variations, maintaining sealing effectiveness without requiring extremely tight tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If a collar is added for secure fixation, then ease of operation during installation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is integrated directly into the pressure compensation device as part of the one-piece construction, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware. This integration adds the installation feature without requiring additional components or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar serves multiple functions: it provides secure mechanical fixation to the lamp housing, maintains the sealing contact, and facilitates alignment during installation. This multi-functionality within a single integrated component minimizes the added complexity.

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

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

The device provides reliable pressure equalization and sealing, preventing water and dust ingress while being simple to manufacture and install, suitable for use in various lamp configurations, including those with limited space.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure compensation device is at least partially made of an elastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a filter medium arranged in a filter holder, an air supply line and an opening for the air supply line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2642192B1Luminaire with a pressure compensation device
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 TRILUX GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2642192B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2642192B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2642192B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The pressure compensation device has a filter receptacle for a filter medium, an air supply line and a closure element for the air supply line. The closure element, the air supply line and the filter receptacle form a one-piece pressure compensating element. The one-piece pressure compensating element is made of elastic thermoplastic elastomer. The pressure compensation device has a valve at its front end, and the air supply line is attached to the valve. An independent claim is included for a lamp with a headpiece.