Hat-Shaped Coupling Part for Cable-Free Electric Light Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric lights for building installations often require complex cable connections for coupling to electrical systems, which can be cumbersome and limit ease of alignment and installation.

Innovation Solution

The electric light design features a hat-shaped coupling part that fits into a cylindrical pot-shaped recess on an attachment device, allowing for mechanical, electrical, and data-technical coupling without cables, with sliding contacts for secure and adjustable alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable connections are used for coupling electric lights to electrical systems, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation complexity and ease of alignment are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical coupling, electrical connection, and alignment functions into a single integrated hat-shaped coupling part. The coupling part incorporates sliding contacts for electrical connection and geometric features for alignment, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and simplifying installation while maintaining reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hat-shaped coupling part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment to the pot-shaped recess, establishes electrical connections through integrated sliding contacts, and enables precise alignment through its geometric configuration. This multi-functional design replaces traditional separate components for each function.

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

2Reliability

If complex cable connections are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but ease of operation during installation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidease of alignment and installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling part merges electrical contacts with mechanical coupling features, so that a single insertion action simultaneously establishes both mechanical attachment and electrical connection. This eliminates the need for separate cable handling and connection steps, greatly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding contacts are pre-positioned within the hat-shaped coupling part, and the geometric features are pre-configured to guide alignment. When the coupling part is inserted into the pot-shaped recess, the preliminary positioning features automatically guide the components into proper alignment before final engagement, reducing manual adjustment during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional coupling methods are used, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hat-shaped coupling part is designed as a universal interface that simultaneously handles mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and alignment functions. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components (mechanical fasteners, cable connectors, alignment features), reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure connection.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3527872B1Electric light
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 INSTA ELEKTRO GMBH
  • EP3527872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527872B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3527872B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Electric light (L) for coupling to an electrical installation device (I), which consists of an insert (E) connected to an electrical installation system of a building and a cover (A) forming the wall-side termination.For the purpose of creating an electric luminaire (L) which can be connected to an electrical installation system of a building without the use of a cable connection, the housing arrangement of the luminaire (L) consists modularly of a housing base (2) provided with a hat-shaped coupling part (1), a housing cover (9) which can be fixed to the housing base (2) and which serves as a carrier for a light source circuit board (7), and a design cover (10) which can be fixed to the housing base (2), wherein an electrical circuit board (4) is held in the interior (3) of the housing base (2), which is electrically connected on the one hand to several sliding contacts (5) extending outwards from the hat-shaped coupling part (1) and on the other hand to the light source circuit board (7).