Modular Lighting Apparatus with Nested Inner and Outer Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ground-level flush-mount lighting devices face challenges in combining illumination and mechanical performance, requiring compact size, easy installation, and maintenance while accommodating various light sources and dimensions, which existing technologies struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A modular lighting apparatus with an inner module and outer module configuration, where the inner module has a frame with a base structure and modular superstructure, allowing for easy adaptation of different lighting devices by varying the configuration of uprights and plates, and utilizing removable fastening means for quick installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional flush-mount lighting device uses a fixed integrated structure, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to different light sources and installation complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidadaptability to different light sources
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is divided into two main modules: an outer module (housing) and an inner module (support structure with light source). The inner module can be independently removed and replaced, allowing different light sources to be installed while maintaining the same housing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing structural integrity through the outer module while enabling adaptability through the replaceable inner module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer module is designed as a universal housing that can accommodate multiple types of light sources through the standardized inner module interface. The support structure within the inner module can be configured in different ways (with or without reflector, different arm positions) to suit various lighting requirements, making the same housing adaptable to different applications.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional flush-mount lighting device uses a fixed integrated structure, then structural stability is improved, but ease of installation and maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the device into outer and inner modules that can be independently handled, the invention enables simple installation (inserting the inner module into the pre-installed outer module) and easy maintenance (removing the inner module to access or replace the light source) without compromising the overall structural stability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner module is designed to be inserted into and nested within the outer module. The support structure with its uprights and base plate fits within the housing boundaries, creating a compact nested arrangement that maintains structural stability while enabling easy installation and removal of the inner module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lighting device accommodates various light sources with different dimensions and shapes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in light source accommodationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure within the inner module is designed with local adaptability: the uprights can be positioned at different locations, the base plate can be configured in different ways, and the reflector can be added or omitted depending on the specific light source requirements. This localized customization within a standardized framework achieves versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2416060B1Modular lighting apparatus
Publication Date: 2013.07.31 PALAZZOLI
  • EP2416060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2416060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2416060B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A modular lighting apparatus, comprising an inner module (2), which can be inserted in an outer module (3) having the function of supporting and protecting the inner module. The inner module comprises a frame (4) adapted to support a lighting device (5). The frame (4) has a base structure which is mechanically associated with the outer module (3) and a modular superstructure adapted to support different types of lighting device (5). The frame (4) comprises a base structure constituted by uprights (7) connected to a base plate (8).