Lighting Device Magnetic Connector Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices, often installed in difficult-to-access locations, require lengthy and laborious maintenance procedures, which are costly and disrupt operational conditions, especially in harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

The lighting device features an electrical connector system with magnetic and elastic contacts that allow simultaneous disconnection and reconnection during opening and closing, eliminating the need for separate connection and disconnection operations, facilitating quick and easy maintenance without tools and minimizing disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional connection devices are used, then electrical connection can be established, but connection and disconnection operations are time-consuming and require specific actions on connection members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance timeVSAvoidconnection operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closure member with the second connection member into a single integrated component. When the closure member is opened or closed, the electrical connection is simultaneously made or broken without requiring separate manual connection actions. This merging of functions eliminates the time-consuming separate connection and disconnection operations while maintaining reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is installed in difficult-to-access locations, then lighting coverage is improved, but maintenance operations become difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation location flexibilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lighting device into separable modules: the envelope containing the light source, and the closure member with integrated connection components. This segmentation allows the light source to be accessed by simply opening the closure member without dismantling the entire device or requiring access from difficult locations, thereby facilitating easier maintenance while preserving installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If separate connection and disconnection operations are required, then electrical connection can be established, but intervention time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidintervention speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical closure function. The second connection member is integrated into the closure member, and the first connection member is integrated into the light source support. When the closure member is mechanically opened or closed, the electrical contacts are simultaneously engaged or disengaged, making the electrical connection as reliable as mechanical connection while dramatically reducing intervention time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution reduces maintenance time, ensures reliable connections, and maintains the device's seal, even in challenging environments, without increasing the device's mass or price, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic elements ensure an attraction between the first and second connection members, and consequently ensure a clean electrical connection without additional closing forces when the closing member is placed in the opening of the longitudinal casing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The elastic mechanical contact guarantees an easy and straightforward connection of the organs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic mechanical contact: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2816281B1Lighting device
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 MCSMBS
  • EP2816281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2816281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2816281B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (10), comprising a light source (14), a light source holder (16), and an enclosure (12) extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis between a first and a second end (24, 26). The first and second ends (24, 26) each have an opening (32, 32'), and the light source holder is adapted to be moved partially or completely through the opening (32, 32'). The lighting device further comprises a closure element (38) for at least one of the openings (32, 32') of the first and second ends, movable between a closed position and an open position, and a connector (18) comprising a first connecting element (20) and a second connecting element (22).In the closed position of the closing member (38), the first and second connecting members (20, 22) are connected to each other by an electrical contact, which is a butt contact within the internal space (E) of the casing (12). The invention also relates to a method for working on such a device.