Modular Light Assembly with Magnetic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting products face challenges in easy installation and wiring, particularly in retrofitting scenarios, and often require replacing the entire unit when an LED fails, which can be complex and aesthetically unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A modular light assembly design featuring a base with a removably attachable light module, utilizing magnetic attraction for attachment, and a circular electrical terminal system or electromagnetic induction for efficient electrical connection, allowing for easy replacement of LEDs and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If LED lighting is installed under cabinets or shelves to produce downlighting effect, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate modular components: a base unit that attaches to the cabinet/shelf and a removable light module containing the LED. This segmentation allows the electrical connections to be made only at the base unit, simplifying installation while maintaining the aesthetic downlighting effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light source is extracted from the main housing and placed in a separate removable light module. This extraction allows the electrical connections to be concentrated at the base unit rather than requiring connections through the cabinetry, reducing installation complexity while preserving the aesthetic appearance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If LED is fixed to large housing, then structural stability is improved, but replaceability of LED deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into a stable base unit and a separate light module. The base unit provides structural stability by attaching to the cabinet or shelf, while the light module containing the LED is made removable for easy replacement without affecting the stability of the overall installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED and its immediate housing are extracted as a separate removable light module from the main base unit. This allows the LED to be replaced easily by simply detaching the light module, while the base unit remains stably installed on the cabinet or shelf.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wiring is run through cabinetry for retrofitting, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection requirements are extracted and concentrated at the base unit, which attaches to the cabinet or shelf. The removable light module requires no separate wiring, allowing retrofitting without running wires through the cabinetry. This maintains installation flexibility while significantly reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit acts as an intermediary between the power source and the light module. It provides the electrical connection interface and attaches to the cabinet or shelf, eliminating the need to run wiring through the cabinetry while maintaining the ability to install in various locations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If trim assembly is removably attached to light module, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is further segmented into the light module and a separate removably attachable trim assembly. This allows different trim configurations to be used with the same light module, improving adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light module is designed as a universal component that can work with different trim assemblies. The standardized interface between the light module and trim assembly allows one light module to be used with multiple trim styles, enhancing versatility without significantly increasing the complexity of individual components.
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
The solution enables easy installation and wiring, allows for the replacement of LEDs without removing the entire assembly, and reduces complexity in retrofitting, while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
one of the base and the light module includes a magnet and the other of the base and the light module includes a ferromagnetic material that is positioned and oriented to be attracted to the magnet to removably attach the light module to the base
Implementation Method 2
a sender induction coil positioned on the base and configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a receiver induction coil positioned on the light module and configured to resonate in response to the electromagnetic field generated by the sender induction coil and produce electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly may include a base comprising a first electrical connector configured to be connected to a first electrical wire, a light module removably attachable to the base and comprising a source of light, a first electrical terminal positioned on the base or the light module and formed in a circle, and a second electrical terminal positioned on the other of the base or the light module to contact the first electrical terminal when the light module is removably attached to the base.