LED Light Module Optical Cover with Snap-In Safety Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The risk of accidental contact with high-voltage LED circuit boards in lighting modules is not adequately addressed in existing designs, posing a safety hazard.

Innovation Solution

A lighting module arrangement featuring a protective optical element designed as a profile body, integrated with the carrier element via snap-in connections and positioned to enclose the circuit board, preventing accidental detachment and providing secure protection without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the circuit board is exposed for electrical connection, then ease of assembly and maintenance is improved, but safety against accidental contact is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidsafety against accidental contact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting module is divided into separable components: the circuit board assembly and the optical element. The optical element acts as a protective cover that can be detached for maintenance but provides safety during operation, resolving the contradiction between exposed connections and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical element serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the high-voltage circuit board and users. It allows electrical connections to remain accessible while preventing direct contact with dangerous components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the optical element is securely fixed to prevent detachment, then safety is improved, but ease of maintenance is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation mechanism transitions from a permanently fixed state to a dynamically reversible state. Snap-in connections provide secure fixation during operation but can be easily released by applying lateral force, allowing the optical element to be removed for maintenance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical state of the optical element changes from locked (during operation) to unlocked (during maintenance). The snap-in connection design allows parameter change from a secure fixed position to a removable position through simple lateral displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional protective components are added, then safety is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides optical functionality for light emission/direction and serves as a protective safety cover. This eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function is merged with the optical element rather than being a separate component. The optical element is both the light-emitting component and the safety protection, combining two functions into one element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2622262B1Light module arrangement with an LED on a circuit board
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2622262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2622262B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2622262B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a light module arrangement for a light. Said light module arrangement comprises at least one LED (2) and at least one circuit board (4), the at least one LED (2) being arranged on the at least one circuit board (4). Said light module arrangement also comprises a support element (6) on which the at least one circuit board (4) is maintained and an optical element (8) for optically influencing light emitted by at least one LED (2). Said optical element (8) is embodied as a protection element for protecting the at least one circuit board (4) against contact. As a result, the at least one circuit board (4) and/or the at least one LED (2) is reliably protected against accidental contact, in particular without having to form an additional component, which can cause damage based on the high electrical tension.