Movable Connector Linear Luminaire Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and time-consuming process of manually wiring linear lamps for electrical connection, especially when installed on ceilings, makes it difficult to efficiently install and maintain light strips in large areas like subway stations and industrial plants.
Innovation Solution
A linear lamp design featuring a movable electrical connector that can be extended by a handling element to establish a plug-in connection with adjacent lamps, eliminating the need for manual wiring and allowing for quick electrical and mechanical coupling, while maintaining a flush installation profile and providing a sealed connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual wiring is used for electrical connections, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular plug-and-play components. The luminaire includes an integrated connector that can be independently extended and connected to adjacent luminaires, separating the electrical connection function from the mounting process. This allows rapid connection without complex manual wiring while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the structured connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-integrated into the luminaire body during manufacturing, with wiring and electrical components already connected and secured. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site wiring operations, as the connector is ready for immediate insertion into the counterpart of adjacent luminaires, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connections.
2Device complexity
If a fixed connector design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different installation scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with movable capability between retracted and extended positions through a handling element mechanism. This dynamic design allows the connector to adapt to different installation scenarios: retracted during transport and storage to maintain a compact profile, and extended during installation to enable connection. The handling element provides user-controlled actuation for extending the connector as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, mechanical coupling, and positioning alignment. The integrated handling element serves dual purposes of protecting the connector when retracted and actuating extension when needed. This multi-functionality allows a single connector design to handle various installation scenarios without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If the connector projects from the luminaire body, then electrical connection is enabled, but the outer contour changes and flush installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static protruding design to a dynamic movable design. When not in use, the connector is retracted into the luminaire body, maintaining a uniform outer contour that allows flush installation in continuous lighting systems. When connection is needed, the connector is extended through the handling element mechanism, enabling electrical connection without permanent contour disruption. This dynamic retraction/extension capability resolves the conflict between connection capability and contour uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be nested within the luminaire body when in the retracted position. The connector housing and components are contained within the luminaire's outer structure, allowing the luminaire to maintain its intended external shape and size. The nesting design enables the connector to be stored compactly within the luminaire body, preserving the uniform outer contour required for flush installation in continuous lighting applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a luminaire, in particular a linear luminaire, with a luminaire body which houses electrical components of the luminaire. The luminaire according to the invention is characterized in that the luminaire body comprises a connector, wherein the connector is movable between a retracted and an extended position, wherein the connector projects from the luminaire body in the extended position, wherein the luminaire comprises a handling element with which the connector is movable between the retracted and the extended position, and in that the luminaire body has a counterpart which is designed to establish an electrical plug connection with a further connector of an adjacently arranged luminaire corresponding to the aforementioned connector.