Luminaire Swivel Joint Single Locking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamps with rotatable lamp heads and arms require multiple locking elements and steps to secure the axes of rotation, making the locking process complex and difficult to integrate into compact designs.

Innovation Solution

A lamp design featuring a single locking element that simultaneously locks or releases both axes of rotation, with a tensioning element and a second locking element interacting to move both into their respective positions, reducing the number of locking elements and steps required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple locking elements are used to lock each rotational axis separately, then each axis can be locked reliably, but the device complexity and number of locking steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxis locking reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of locking elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking elements into a single integrated locking element that simultaneously locks both rotational axes. The locking element includes first and second locking portions that engage with the swivel joint and lamp arm respectively, allowing both axes to be locked in one operation rather than requiring separate locking elements for each axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking element performs multiple functions: it locks the first rotational axis through its first locking portion, locks the second rotational axis through its second locking portion, and can be operated from a single location. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate locking mechanisms while maintaining reliable locking of both axes.

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

2Reliability

If multiple locking elements are used to lock each rotational axis, then each axis can be secured, but the luminaire size increases and integration becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxis locking reliabilityVSAvoidluminaire size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple locking elements into a single compact locking element that integrates both locking functions. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required for locking mechanisms, allowing for a more compact luminaire design that is easier to integrate into ceiling or wall structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed with a nested structure where the first and second locking portions are integrated within a single body. The locking element can be positioned within the swivel joint assembly, nesting the locking mechanism within the existing structure rather than adding external components, thus minimizing overall luminaire volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple locking elements are used, then each axis can be locked independently, but the manufacturing effort and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxis locking reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking elements into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing effort and cost while maintaining the reliability of locking both axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking element is designed to perform multiple locking functions, making it a universal component that replaces several specialized components. This universality simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing part variety and assembly steps, leading to lower production costs and easier manufacturing.

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

4Reliability

If multiple locking elements are used, then each axis can be locked separately, but the locking process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxis locking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking functions for both rotational axes into a single locking element that can be operated simultaneously. When the user operates this single locking element, both the first and second locking portions engage their respective locking positions at the same time, reducing the locking process from multiple sequential steps to a single action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed so that the first and second locking portions are pre-positioned to engage with the swivel joint and lamp arm simultaneously. The operational structure is arranged such that a single user action triggers both locking mechanisms at the same time, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing the time required to secure both axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3623698B1Luminaire
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3623698B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3623698B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3623698B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A luminaire (1), in particular an LED spotlight, comprising: a luminaire head (2), a luminaire arm (3), and a swivel joint (4) for rotatably connecting the luminaire head (2) to the luminaire arm (3), such that the luminaire head (2) can be aligned with respect to the luminaire arm (3) via a first and a second axis of rotation (5, 6) of the swivel joint (4). The luminaire (1) further comprises a locking element (60) which is configured to be moved between a release position, in which the luminaire head (2) can be aligned via the axes of rotation (5, 6), and a locking position, in which the axes of rotation (5, 6) are locked.