LED Module Latching Element on Light Output Side

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for mounting LED modules on facade elements are costly and complex, requiring milled openings and special retaining parts, making the installation process cumbersome and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A carrier element arrangement featuring a plate-shaped carrier element with a blind hole for a latching element, allowing the LED module to be easily attached and retained, eliminating the need for complex mounting processes and ensuring a sleek external appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a milled opening and special ring-like retaining part are used to mount the LED module on the facade element, then the LED module can be securely held, but the production expenditure and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of LED moduleVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting function and the light emission function into a single integrated structure. The light-emitting element serves dual purposes: it emits light and simultaneously acts as the mounting element that engages with the blind hole in the carrier element, eliminating the need for separate retaining parts and complex milling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the light source and the mounting mechanism. By making the light-emitting element itself engageable with the blind hole, the patent creates a universal component that combines illumination and fixation functions, reducing overall device complexity.

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

2Reliability

If a milled opening and special retaining part are used for mounting, then the LED module can be attached, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier element is pre-formed with blind holes during the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for on-site milling operations. The light-emitting element is designed with pre-integrated engagement features that align with these pre-formed blind holes, enabling rapid installation without complex preparatory work or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the latching element is arranged on the opposite side of the LED module, then the mounting might be more stable, but the external appearance becomes compromised and additional aids are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidexternal appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the latching element on the conventional opposite side of the light-emitting element, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the latching element on the same side. This unconventional configuration allows the latching element to engage with blind holes while the light-emitting element maintains its optimal position for light emission, achieving both stability and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3132192B1LED module for mounting on a flat carrier element, and carrier element assembly comprising such an LED module
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3132192B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3132192B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3132192B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an LED module which has at least one LED and a housing (1) having a light output element (2) for outputting light emitted by the at least one LED, wherein at least one latching element (3, 3') is provided for mounting the LED module on a flat carrier element, wherein the latching element (3, 3') is arranged on the same side as the light output element (2).