Modular Retrofit Lighting Assembly with Quarter-Turn Fasteners

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting fixtures, particularly those in dropped ceilings, face challenges in easily retrofitting with LED-based lighting systems, requiring improved installation methods that are simpler and more efficient than current solutions.

Innovation Solution

A modular lighting assembly comprising a light engine with a reflector and sidewall parts, secured using quarter-turn fasteners, allowing for easy assembly and retrofitting into existing fixtures, enabling the use of LED lighting while maintaining compatibility with fluorescent fixtures and reducing waste through modular design and adjustable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional fluorescent tube luminaires are replaced with LED-based systems, then energy consumption is reduced, but installation complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting assembly is divided into separate modular components: reflectors, sidewall parts, and light engine. These segments can be independently manufactured, handled, and installed, reducing installation complexity while maintaining energy efficiency benefits of LED technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting assembly is designed with universal mounting features that enable installation in existing fluorescent tube luminaires. The reflectors and sidewall parts can accommodate various light engine configurations, making the system universally applicable across different fixture types while providing LED energy savings

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular lighting assembly components are used, then adaptability and reuse are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules (reflectors, sidewall parts, light engine) that can be independently replaced or upgraded. This segmentation enables adaptability for different lighting applications while the standardized interfaces between segments reduce the perceived complexity of assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light engine is nested within the cavity formed by the reflectors and sidewall parts. This nested configuration allows the compact assembly to adapt to various fixture sizes while reducing the number of separate connection points, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process despite the modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Facilitates quick and secure installation of LED lighting in existing fixtures, reducing tool requirements and enabling flexible adjustment and reuse, while providing improved illumination patterns and sustainability through reduced waste and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The light engine has at least one LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The light engine has at least one LED and a reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3619467B1Retrofit lighting assembly
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3619467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3619467B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3619467B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting assembly adapted to be mounted in a lighting fixture is provided. The lighting assembly comprises comprises a first reflector, a second reflector and at least two sidewall parts, a first fastening arrangement adapted to secure the first reflector to at least one sidewall part, and a second fastening arrangement adapted to secure the second reflector to at least one sidewall part. The first reflector, the second reflector annd the at least two sidewall parts are adapted to be arranged in the lighting fixture and secured to each other such that they define sidewalls of a four-sided cavity. Further, junctions between the first reflector, the second reflector and the at least two sidewall parts are arranged to be at the corners of the four-sided cavity when the first reflector, the second reflector and the at least two sidewall parts are arranged in the lighting fixture. Each one of at least two of the first reflector, the second reflector and the at least two sidewall parts comprises a support surface adapted to support the lighting assembly in the lighting fixture and to be arranged at different sides of the four-sided cavity when the first reflector, the second reflector and the at least two sidewall parts are arranged in the lighting fixture. Further, the light engine is arranged to emit light out of the four-sided cavity. Thereby, a lighting assembly that is easier to install is achieved.