Modular Light Fixture Frames with Detachable Channels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Light fixtures often lack flexibility in adjusting their shape, size, and configuration, limiting user customization and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

Modular frame and housing systems for light fixtures, comprising detachably coupled components with channel-based electrical conductor placement and coupling features, allowing for adjustable light module assemblies and easy integration of various light sources, including LED, fluorescent, and incandescent types, suitable for diverse environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light fixtures are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but user flexibility and customization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidfixture configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light fixture is divided into modular components including frame sections, light modules, and interchangeable elements that can be independently selected and assembled. This segmentation enables users to customize configurations while maintaining simplified manufacturing of individual standardized parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized coupling features and interface designs are implemented across all modular components, allowing the same basic elements to serve multiple functions and be assembled in various configurations. This universality provides user flexibility without requiring complex custom-manufactured parts for each configuration.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If light fixtures allow easy adjustment of features, then user flexibility is improved, but the difficulty of making adjustments increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture incorporates movable and reconfigurable elements such as adjustable light modules and repositionable frame sections that can be easily reconfigured during operation. These dynamic features allow users to adjust the fixture without complex tools or procedures while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Simple coupling mechanisms and interface elements serve as intermediaries between fixed structural components and adjustable light modules. These intermediary coupling features enable easy attachment and detachment of movable parts, facilitating user adjustments without requiring direct manipulation of complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular components are used with detachable couplings, then flexibility and customization are enhanced, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into standardized coupling features that include integrated locking mechanisms and alignment elements. Each modular component has precisely defined coupling interfaces that ensure reliable mechanical and electrical connections while maintaining the ability to detach and reconfigure modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into the coupling features, including mechanical attachment, electrical connectivity, thermal management pathways, and alignment guidance. This integration ensures that when modules are connected, multiple system requirements are simultaneously satisfied, enhancing overall connection reliability while preserving modular flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10670237B2Modular light fixture frames and housings
Publication Date: 2020.06.02 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • US10670237B2 patent drawing
  • US10670237B2 patent drawing
  • US10670237B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A frame for a light fixture can include multiple detachably coupled components, where each of the detachably coupled components includes a channel inside of which at least one electrical conductor is disposed, and where at least one of the detachably coupled components includes at least one light module assembly coupling feature that is configured to couple to at least one light module assembly.