Lighting Module Mechanical Interface for Tool-Free Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems require significant space and additional tools for connecting and disconnecting lighting modules from lamp holders, which increases costs and reduces design flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module with a mechanical interface featuring protrusions that allow it to be used as a tool for connecting and disconnecting another module from a lamp holder, eliminating the need for a separate tool and reducing the space required around the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate tool is provided for connecting/disconnecting lighting modules, then the connection operation can be performed, but the system cost increases and the user experiences inconvenience due to tool loss risk
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is designed with a dual-function mechanical interface: it serves both as the connection interface for the lamp holder and as a tool interface for another lighting module to grip and perform connection/disconnection operations. This eliminates the need for a separate tool while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module uses itself (or another identical module) as the tool for connection and disconnection operations. The mechanical interface on the lighting module allows it to be gripped by another module, enabling self-service functionality without requiring external tools.
2Ease of operation
If minimum space around the lighting module is required for hand operation, then the connection can be performed by hand, but the reflector diameter increases and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface with protrusions acts as an intermediary between the lighting module and the tool (another lighting module). This intermediary structure enables force transfer for connection operations without requiring direct hand contact with the lighting module, allowing operation in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from direct hand manipulation in radial space to tool-mediated operation through axial protrusions. By extending functionality along the longitudinal axis through protrusions, the system enables connection operations without requiring radial clearance for hand access.
3Ease of operation
If fingers are brought inside the reflector to grab the lighting module, then the module can be manipulated, but the reflector becomes dirty which reduces efficiency and appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interface with protrusions serves as an intermediary that transfers forces between the tool (lighting module) and the target (lighting module in lamp holder) without requiring direct contact between fingers and the reflector. This eliminates contamination while maintaining manipulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution extracts the gripping function from the reflector surface and relocates it to the mechanical interface with protrusions. By separating the manipulation interface from the optical surface, the reflector remains clean while connection operations are performed through the protrusions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2e
AI summary
A lighting module (1) having a connection end (2) for connection to a lamp holder (3), and a light output end (4) for outputting light, wherein the lighting module (1), at the light output end (4), is provided with a mechanical interface comprising first (6) and second (7) protrusions extending in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis (13) of the lighting module and being configured to interact with corresponding protrusions (6 ',7') on an identical mechanical interface to transfer at least one of a rotational force and a pulling force to the lighting module (1), so that a device (1 ') provided with such an identical mechanical interface can be used as a tool for connecting/disconnecting the lighting module (1). An advantage is that it is possible to utilize one lighting module as a tool to connect/disconnect another lighting module from a lamp holder.