Modular Linear Lighting Channels with Removable Flanges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional linear lighting channels lack modularity and versatility, limiting their adaptability for various installations and light diffusion capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Modular channels with separable sidewalls and bottoms, featuring complementary engaging structures and intermediate members for secure assembly, along with adaptable flanges for mounting and diffuser covers to optimize light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional single-piece extrusion channels are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability and modularity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidchannel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is divided into separate modular components including sidewalls with flanges and a bottom section, connected through complementary engaging structures. This segmentation enables different configurations and installation methods while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular components with engaging structures are used, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemodularityVSAvoidmanufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The complementary engaging structures are designed to be universal across different channel components, allowing the same basic design to be used throughout the system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, thereby simplifying production despite the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If sidewalls have inward projections for cover engagement, then cover retention improves, but light diffusion is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover retentionVSAvoidlight diffusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate member is introduced between the sidewalls and the bottom to facilitate their connection. This intermediary component enables the sidewalls to engage the cover effectively while preventing direct contact between inward projections and the light path, thus maintaining both cover retention and light diffusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If flanges are permanently attached to sidewalls, then flush mounting is enabled, but mounting versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflush mountingVSAvoidmounting versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between flanges and sidewalls is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the flanges to be attached or removed as needed. This enables the channel to adapt between flush mounting configuration and other mounting methods, providing operational flexibility and mounting versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10724720B1Multi-purpose channels for linear lighting

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 ELEMENTAL LED INC

AI summary

Multi-purpose channels are disclosed. These channels include sidewalls and a bottom, which may be either modular or of single-piece construction. An outwardly-extending flange is removably connected to at least one sidewall, allowing the channel to be mounted flush in a wall or converted for mounting in another fashion.