LED Lighting Module with U-Shaped Carrier and Protected Wiring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamps with LED modules face challenges in safe and reliable replacement, accessibility of electrical connections, and cost-effective production while offering design flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A lamp design featuring a U-shaped carrier element with a connecting leg that houses the LED lighting module, allowing for a reversibly detachable plug-in connection, tool-free module attachment, and multiple orientation options, along with a thermally conductive surface for heat dissipation and protected internal wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the LED lighting module is made easily replaceable with tool-free attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of electrical connection may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of module replacementVSAvoidreliability of electrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lamp is divided into separable modules: the LED lighting module and the carrier element. The LED module can be independently removed and replaced without tools, while the carrier element remains fixed in the mounting rail. This segmentation enables easy replacement while maintaining reliable connections through the plug-in contacting element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A contacting element with plug-in connection serves as an intermediary between the power supply conductors and the LED lighting module. This mediator ensures reliable electrical connection while allowing the LED module to be easily detached and reattached without exposing the conductors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the electrical conductors are made directly accessible for easy connection, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the safety of the lamp worsens due to exposed wires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrical connectionVSAvoidsafety hazard from exposed conductors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The contacting element with integrated socket acts as an intermediary that shields the electrical conductors. The conductors are connected to the socket behind the transparent diffuser, making them inaccessible while maintaining electrical connection functionality. This eliminates safety hazards while preserving ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conductors are nested within the carrier element structure, specifically connected to the contacting element behind the diffuser. This nesting conceals the conductors within the lamp housing, preventing exposure while maintaining connection accessibility during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lamp design accommodates multiple orientation options for the LED module, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation flexibilityVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier element is designed with universal features: a U-shaped receiving area that can accommodate LED modules in multiple orientations (0° or 180° rotation). The contacting element with socket and the magnet holder provide multi-functional support for electrical connection and mechanical retention regardless of module orientation, enabling versatility without significant complexity increase.

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

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the current-carrying wires are positioned on the opposite side of the connecting leg for safety, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to reduced accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety from exposed conductorsVSAvoidaccessibility to electrical connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connections are established in advance through the contacting element with integrated socket during manufacturing. The conductors are pre-connected to the socket behind the diffuser, eliminating the need for users to access or manipulate wires during operation or module replacement. This preliminary connection ensures safety while maintaining operational simplicity.

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 safe and simple replacement of LED modules, improved accessibility, cost-effective production, and enhanced design flexibility with multiple lighting configurations and heat management.

Implementation Method 1

an LED lighting module with at least one LED for generating a light for a light output of the lamp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a thermally conductive surface for heat dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2976566B1Lighting device with an LED lighting module
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2976566B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2976566B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2976566B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device having a support element (2) with an elongated receiving region (3) which has a U-shaped cross-section and comprises a first limb (31) of the U, a second limb (32) of the U, and a connecting limb (33) that connects the two limbs (31, 32) of the U. The lighting device further has an LED lighting module (4) with at least one LED (5) for generating light in order to emit a light of the lighting device, said LED lighting module (4) being arranged on the support element (2) in a retained manner. The lighting device further has a contacting element (6) for supplying power to the LED lighting module (4). The connecting limb (33) has a through-opening, said contacting element (6) and LED lighting module (4) being arranged so as to be connected in an electrically conductive and reversibly releasable manner such that the electric connection passes through the through-opening. The design of the lighting device allows the conductive wires for supplying power to the LED lighting module (4) to be arranged on the connecting limb (33) side which lies opposite the at least one LED (5) of the lighting module (4). In this manner, access to the conductive wires is hindered and the lighting device is therefore particularly safe. Additionally, a particularly simple, safe, and reliable exchange of the LED lighting module (4) is made possible in this manner.