Modular Support Profile for Panel Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting solutions for French balconies and similar structures face difficulties in assembly, repair, and replacement, especially when glass elements are involved, as they often require disassembly of the entire bracket, which is cumbersome and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A modular support profile with a base module and a detachable folding module, featuring assembly locks, secure holders, and a modular LED mounting system that allows for easy lamp replacement without removing the panel element, along with adjustable spacers and safety elements for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bracket system is used to mount lighting on glass elements, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement of lighting components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into multiple separable components including a first bracket portion, a second bracket portion, and an intermediate element. This segmentation allows the lighting component to be accessed and replaced by detaching only the necessary bracket sections rather than disassembling the entire mounting structure, thus maintaining structural stability while improving repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow for dynamic reconfiguration. The intermediate element can be positioned at different locations along the first bracket portion, and the bracket portions can be detached and reattached, providing adaptability for maintenance operations while preserving structural integrity during normal use.
2Ease of repair
If a modular support profile with detachable modules is used, then the ease of repair and replacement of lighting components is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support profile is segmented into standardized modular components (first bracket portion, second bracket portion, intermediate element) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables simple tool-free or minimal-tool assembly and disassembly for lighting replacement, with the added benefit that modular standardization reduces the complexity burden by using interchangeable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate element is received within a recess of the first bracket portion and can be positioned at multiple locations along it. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage of the modular components when not in use and simplifies the assembly process by having components fit into predetermined locations, reducing the cognitive complexity of assembly despite the increased physical modularity.
3Reliability
If assembly locks are incorporated to secure the intermediate element, then the reliability of the mounting is improved, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate element is pre-formed with engagement features (protrusions, recesses, threading) that automatically align with corresponding features on the bracket portions during assembly. This preliminary preparation of engagement features allows the assembly locks to engage automatically or with minimal manual intervention, maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly lock mechanism replaces complex multi-step mechanical fastening systems with simpler alternatives such as snap-fit engagements, threaded inserts that self-align, or cam-actuated locking mechanisms. These substituted mechanisms provide reliable locking while requiring significantly less operational complexity and fewer tools for assembly and disassembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
A modular support profile (100) for a plate element (18) is proposed, wherein the modular support profile (100) has a base module (10) and a detachable hinged module (12), and the base module (10) has at least one chamber (A, B) for inserting locking elements (30, 32) and/or holders (20, 22, 24).