Tool-Free Lamp Fastening System With Spring-Loaded Hooks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for lamps are complex and unsatisfactory in terms of usability, particularly during disassembly, as they often require mechanical intervention and can cause the lighting element to get caught or jammed in the support unit.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system featuring a combination of rigid and movable hooking means, where the movable hooking means can be locked in an open position for tool-free disassembly, allowing the lighting element to be removed without hindrance, utilizing sliding surfaces and spring sections for easy assembly and disassembly, and optionally using gravity for interlocking engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid fastening system is used to secure the luminaire element, then the fastening is reliable, but the disassembly requires tools and is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support hook is designed as a movable, spring-loaded component that can dynamically change its position. During assembly, the hook is compressed and guided into the element hook by the luminaire element's weight. During disassembly, the hook can be easily released by lifting the element, allowing tool-free operation while maintaining secure fastening when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system utilizes the weight of the luminaire element itself to drive the engagement process. The element's weight automatically compresses the spring-loaded support hook and guides it into the element hook, eliminating the need for additional fastening tools or complex mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the load to be secured as the actuating force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the element hook is completely released during disassembly, then the element can be removed without snagging, but the fastening mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement removal easeVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is divided into two distinct functional components: the element hook (rigid, fixed to the luminaire element) and the support hook (movable, spring-loaded, fixed to the support unit). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the element hook provides the engagement geometry while the support hook provides the movable, self-actuating fastening action, simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded support hook acts as an intermediary between the rigid element hook and the support unit. It mediates the engagement and disengagement processes by providing a movable, compliant interface that can be easily actuated by the luminaire element's weight during assembly and easily released during disassembly, preventing snagging while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a movable hooking means is used for easy disassembly, then the handling is improved, but the fastening may become less secure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidfastening security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The element hook is designed with a curved, hook-shaped geometry that provides a mechanical interlock with the support hook. This curved geometry creates a geometric lock that prevents the support hook from disengaging under normal load conditions, ensuring secure fastening while the spring-loaded nature of the support hook maintains ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded support hook is pre-compressed and pre-positioned to engage with the element hook before the luminaire element is fully installed. This preliminary engagement ensures that the fastening is secure from the moment the element is mounted, while the spring mechanism remains ready for easy release during disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables easy, tool-free assembly and disassembly of lighting elements on support units, improving handling and simplifying the mounting process while ensuring secure fastening and non-destructive detachment.

Implementation Method 1

the movable interlocking means is spring-elastic and can be moved by means of the spring elasticity between a closed position in which the movable interlocking means is in the interlocking engagement with the rigid interlocking means and an open position in which the movable interlocking means is released from the interlocking engagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one locking means is provided for the movable hooking means, and that the movable hooking means can be locked in its opening position with the aid of the locking means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

utilizing sliding surfaces and spring sections for easy assembly and disassembly, and optionally using gravity for interlocking engagement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4354017A1Fastening system for a lamp, fastening element and lamp
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 TRILUX GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4354017A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4354017A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP4354017A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4

AI summary

The invention provides a fastening system (1) for a luminaire (2) for tool-free mounting of a luminaire element (4) to a support unit (3) by means of two complementary locking means, comprising at least one element hook (17, 18) associated with the luminaire element (4) and at least one support hook (20) associated with the support unit (3), wherein, by means of a defined mounting movement (M) of the luminaire element (4) in a first direction of movement towards the support unit (3), a locking of the element hook (17, 18) and support hook (20) can be effected for the purpose of fastening the luminaire element (4) in an operating position (B), wherein either the element hook (17, 18) or the support hook (20) is designed as a rigid locking means (15), and either the support hook (20) or the element hook (17, 18) is designed as a movable locking means (16) in order to achieve an open position by means of this mobility. allowso that an interlocking engagement (24) of the support hook (20) with the element hook (17, 18) can be established, and that at least one locking means (25) for the movable interlocking means (16) is provided for tool-free disassembly of the luminaire element (4), and that the movable interlocking means (16) can be locked in its open position with the aid of the locking means (25).