Luminaire Connection Module With Integrated Surge Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminaires require numerous wire harnesses and complex connections, leading to assembly challenges and increased risk of wiring mistakes, while also occupying significant space and lacking modularity and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A connection module with integrated surge protection circuitry, supply and load terminals, and control terminals on a support, such as a printed circuit board, reduces the number of wire harnesses and connections, enhances modularity, and allows for compact design, while incorporating ESD and thermal protection to safeguard components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If numerous wire harnesses and complex connections are used to connect SPDs, control modules, LED drivers, and power supply wires, then reliable electrical connections between components are achieved, but assembly complexity increases and the risk of wiring mistakes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidwire harness complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate connection functions (power supply connection, load connection, control signal connection, and surge protection) into a single integrated connection module. This module houses the SPD, control module, and connection terminals together, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses for each component and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power supply connection, load connection, control signal transmission, and surge protection. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable electrical connections.

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

2Reliability

If numerous wire harnesses are used to connect multiple components inside the luminaire housing, then all electrical connections are established, but the space required for wiring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection completenessVSAvoidwiring space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the SPD, control module, and connection terminals into a single compact connection module, the patent significantly reduces the space required for wiring. All electrical connections are established within this integrated module, eliminating the need for extensive wire harnesses that would occupy significant space in the luminaire housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of components are electrically connected inside the luminaire housing, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but the number of connections to be performed on assembly lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminaire functionalityVSAvoidassembly line efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple components (SPD, control module, connection terminals) into a single pre-assembled connection module. This module can be manufactured separately and then installed as one unit in the luminaire, dramatically reducing the number of connections that need to be performed on the assembly line while maintaining comprehensive luminaire functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection module is pre-assembled with all necessary electrical connections and components configured before installation in the luminaire. This preliminary assembly action reduces the complexity and time required for final assembly on the production line, as the module arrives ready-to-install with all internal connections already established.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If traditional separate component connections are used, then individual component functionality is maintained, but modularity and flexibility of the luminaire are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent functionalityVSAvoidluminaire modularity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the luminaire system into distinct functional modules, with the connection module being one such module that can be independently designed, manufactured, and replaced. This segmentation maintains the functionality of individual components while enhancing overall system modularity and flexibility, as the connection module can be adapted or upgraded without affecting other luminaire components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3914860B1Connection module for a luminaire
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SCHREDER SA
  • EP3914860B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2A
  • EP3914860B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3914860B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4A

AI summary

A connection module for a luminaire with a light module, comprising a support, surge protection circuitry arranged on the support, a first and second supply terminal for connection to a power supply, said first and second supply terminal being connected to the surge protection circuitry, a first and second load terminal for connection to a drive means of the light module, said first and second load terminal being connected to the surge protection circuitry, and at least a first and second control terminal. A connection line for electrically connecting the first and second control terminals is arranged on the support.