Modular Luminaire With Integral Interface For Simplified Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular lighting devices require complex structures and trained personnel for adaptation to different lighting tasks due to the need for separate operating devices for each light element, making them difficult to customize and implement.

Innovation Solution

A modular lighting device with an integral interface that integrates mains supply and control signal routing, allowing for customer-specific assembly and expansion by plugging elements together, featuring separate connections for mains voltage and supply current, and data/control signal feed, enabling flexible and simplified customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate operating device is used for each light element, then the lighting device can be operated and controlled, but the structure becomes complex and requires trained personnel for adaptation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating device functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the operating device functions into a single centralized unit that can control multiple light elements, rather than having separate operating devices for each element. This merging reduces structural complexity while maintaining full operational control over all light elements in the modular system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating device is designed as a universal controller that can manage various types of light elements and configurations within the modular system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for element-specific controllers, simplifying the overall structure while preserving reliable operation across different lighting tasks.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate operating device is used for each light element, then each element can be independently controlled, but adaptation to different lighting tasks becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting task adaptabilityVSAvoidadaptation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into modular light elements that can be independently configured and connected in different arrangements. The single operating device can address and control these segmented elements individually or in groups, enabling adaptation to various lighting tasks through simple reconfiguration rather than complex structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of modular elements to suit different lighting requirements. The operating device can adapt its control patterns and output distribution based on the current configuration and task requirements, providing versatility without requiring complex physical adaptation or trained personnel intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If an integral interface is used for mains supply and control signals, then the structure is simplified and customer-specific assembly is enabled, but precise routing of multiple signals is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integral interface combines multiple functions (mains supply, control signals, data transmission) into a single unified connection point. This merging eliminates the need for separate connections for each signal type, simplifying the overall structure and enabling customer-friendly assembly while internally maintaining precise signal routing through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integral interface is designed as a multi-functional universal connector that handles various signal types simultaneously. This approach simplifies the external connection structure while internally providing dedicated routing paths for each signal type, thus achieving both structural simplicity and assembly efficiency without compromising precise signal delivery.

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

4Ease of manufacture

If modular elements are connected by plugging, then assembly is simplified and customization is enabled, but connection reliability must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in connection integrates multiple functions (electrical contact, mechanical locking, signal alignment) into a single unified connector design. This merging ensures that a simple plugging action simultaneously establishes all necessary connections with proper alignment, maintaining high connection reliability while enabling easy customer assembly and customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug-in interface acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the simple user action of plugging into reliable multi-functional connection. The connector design includes internal features that ensure proper alignment, secure mechanical engagement, and reliable electrical contact, bridging the gap between simple assembly operations and high connection reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3234459B1Modular illumination device
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 ITZ INNOVATIONS UND TECHZENT
  • EP3234459B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3234459B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP3234459B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a luminaire, in particular a luminaire for humid rooms, comprising a connection element for establishing an electrical connection to an electrical grid, a line element for performing current and/or signal transmission, and a lighting element for generating light in a main direction of radiation of the luminous flux generated by the lighting element for a vision job. In order to simplify mounting and be able to make client-specific adjustments to different lighting situations, a specially designed integral interface is provided.