Lamp with Variable Form via Flexible Covering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamps lack the ability to significantly change their external shape, limiting their adaptability and aesthetic appeal, especially in closed luminaire housings where the shape cannot be influenced.

Innovation Solution

A lamp design featuring a frame structure partially covered with flexible material, where adjustable shaping elements allow the cover to adapt its shape, enabling the outer form to be altered while maintaining a closed housing for light emission components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closed luminaire housing is used to protect light emission components, then reliability and protection are improved, but the ability to change external shape is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of light emission componentsVSAvoidability to change external shape

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible covering material that can be tensioned and shaped over the frame structure. This flexible shell allows the luminaire to change its external shape while still providing protection for the internal light emission components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements adjustable shaping elements that can be moved to different positions to dynamically change the external shape of the luminaire. This dynamic capability allows the housing to adapt its form while maintaining the protective enclosure for internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable shaping elements are added to change the external shape, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change external shapeVSAvoidstructure with frame, covering material, and shaping elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible covering material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the external shape, acts as a protective enclosure, and can be tensioned to maintain structural integrity. This reduces the need for additional complex structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The shaping elements serve dual purposes: they adjust the external shape of the luminaire and simultaneously tension the flexible covering material to maintain its form. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining shape adjustment and structural support functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible material is used for the cover to enable shape changes, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural strength of cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible covering material is tensioned over the frame structure and shaping elements, creating a taut surface that gains structural strength through tension. This tensioned membrane structure provides both flexibility for shape change and sufficient strength for structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved and three-dimensional shapes formed by the flexible material over the shaping elements. These curved structures distribute mechanical loads more effectively, enhancing the structural strength of the flexible cover while maintaining its adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 lamp achieves a customizable external shape and uniform light distribution, offering both diffuse and directed lighting options, enhancing its appearance and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the covering (10) is made of a flexible material, so that the covering (10) can adapt to the position of the shaping element (60)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

plate-shaped light-guiding element, which is designed to emit light through at least one flat side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

plate-shaped light-guiding element, which is designed to emit light through at least one flat side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3276251B1Lamp with variable outside form

Publication Date: 2020.01.01 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH

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AI summary

In a luminaire (1) with a framework structure (20) and a lighting unit (50) held by the framework structure (20), at least a partial area of a cover (10) of the luminaire (1) is formed by a covering which is made of a flexible material and is fixed at its edge area to the framework structure (20), wherein at least one shaping element is arranged on the framework structure (20) to which the covering material is also fixed, and wherein the shaping element is adjustable.