Modular LED Lighting with Interchangeable Optical Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional LED luminaires lack flexibility in modifying light emission characteristics, requiring multiple models for different applications, which increases production costs and restricts component reuse, and existing modular solutions are tied to specific LED units and installation configurations.

Innovation Solution

An LED lighting device with a modular optical system featuring interchangeable primary and secondary optical elements, where the secondary optical element can be rotated relative to the primary element using a bayonet coupling system, allowing for adjustable photometric characteristics without replacing any components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different models of LED luminaires are manufactured for each individual application, then the light emission characteristics can be optimized for specific applications, but the production costs increase and component reuse is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission characteristicsVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into separate interchangeable modules: LED elements, primary optical elements (reflectors or lenses), and secondary optical elements (lenses or diffusers). This segmentation allows different combinations to be assembled for different applications without manufacturing entirely different luminaire models, reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal platform where a single set of base components (LED elements, primary optical elements, housing) can support multiple light emission characteristics through interchangeable secondary optical elements. This multi-functionality allows the same luminaire platform to serve different applications (spot, flood, wide angle) without requiring separate models, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining versatility.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed optical systems are used in LED luminaires, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to modify light emission characteristics is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmodification of light emission characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Secondary optical elements can be interchanged to modify light emission characteristics, and the bayonet coupling mechanism enables easy attachment and detachment. This dynamic design maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces while enabling flexibility in light distribution patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes in light emission characteristics (beam angle, intensity distribution, photometric patterns) by swapping secondary optical elements with different optical properties. The standardized mounting interface ensures that parameter changes can be made without complicating the manufacturing process, as all elements follow the same design and assembly protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If optical components are designed for specific LED units, then optical performance is optimized, but the number of required components increases and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical performanceVSAvoidnumber of optical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs primary optical elements (reflectors or lenses) with universal compatibility across different LED elements, eliminating the need for custom-matched component sets. A single primary optical element can work with multiple LED types, reducing the total number of components required while maintaining optimized optical performance through careful design of the universal interface and optical geometry.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple specialized components into fewer universal components. The primary optical element is designed to accommodate various LED elements, and the secondary optical element serves as a universal interface for achieving different light patterns. This merging reduces component proliferation while preserving optical optimization through the standardized design approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional discharge lamp luminaires are used, then light emission can be modified by adjusting lamp position, but LED technology does not allow this flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission modificationVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to LED luminaires through interchangeable optical modules. Instead of requiring physical repositioning of fixed components, users can swap secondary optical elements to change light emission characteristics. The bayonet coupling system enables easy operation during installation and maintenance, restoring flexibility to LED systems without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes in light emission (beam angle, intensity, distribution patterns) through interchangeable optical elements rather than physical repositioning. This approach maintains ease of operation during installation while providing the adaptability to modify light characteristics, as all elements are designed for straightforward mounting and removal without requiring precise positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the number of required optical components, enables easy modification of photometric characteristics by the end user, and ensures reliability and safety, while maintaining luminous intensity and flexibility in installation orientations.

Implementation Method 1

The light emitted by the LED unit, which has its own lens, is first refracted by the primary optical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

then by the secondary optical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2865939B1Led lighting device with modular optical system
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 GEWISS SPA
  • EP2865939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2865939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2865939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An LED lighting device with modular optical system, including at least one LED element (6) and at least one lighting module (5) that is associated with the LED element and is adapted to distribute a light beam emitted by the LED element according to a given photometric model; the lighting module includes a primary optical element (8) and a secondary optical element (9), which cooperates with the primary optical element in order to distribute the light beam. The primary and secondary optical elements are interchangeable in order to modify the photometric model.