Panel Light Through Holes for Functional Component Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel lights require individual adaptation and aesthetic compromise to incorporate additional functional components like sensors, wireless communication, and emergency lighting, due to the lack of standardized attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

A panel light design featuring a luminaire housing with coaxial through holes in the optical element panel allows for easy attachment and replacement of functional components, maintaining a uniform appearance through standardized interfaces and interchangeable element housings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If individual attaching means like clamps are provided to attach functional components, then functional components can be attached to panel lights, but the luminaire's appearance is adversely affected and individual adaptation is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to attach functional componentsVSAvoidappearance uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by providing a standardized attachment system with mounting plates that can accommodate multiple types of functional components (sensors, wireless communication modules, emergency lighting) through a common interface. The mounting plates are designed with universal mounting holes and attachment mechanisms that work with different component types, eliminating the need for individual adaptation of each component to the panel light structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by integrating the mounting plates within the existing panel light structure. The mounting plates are positioned on the rear side of the optical element panel and are concealed within the housing structure, so that functional components attached to these plates do not protrude or disrupt the front appearance of the panel light. This allows functional components to be nested within the overall structure while maintaining aesthetic uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the luminaire structure is changed to allow attachment of additional components, then functional components can be integrated, but the manufacturing complexity and individual adaptation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of functional componentsVSAvoidstructure adaptation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the attachment function from the main optical structure. Instead of modifying the optical element panel or housing structure for each functional component, the invention introduces separate, modular mounting plates that provide attachment functionality. These mounting plates are distinct segments that can be independently designed, manufactured, and installed without affecting the core luminaire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring standardized mounting plates with appropriate mounting holes, attachment mechanisms, and positioning features before installation. These mounting plates are designed in advance to accommodate various functional components, so that when components need to be attached, the structural adaptation work has already been completed during the plate design phase, eliminating the need for on-site modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of functional components are offered for selection, then customization options increase, but the inventory management and selection complexity increases for customers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional component varietyVSAvoidcomponent selection and attachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a standardized mounting interface that works with all functional components. The mounting plates feature consistent hole patterns, attachment mechanisms, and mounting dimensions that are identical across different component types. This universal interface allows customers to select from various functional components without needing to understand different attachment procedures or structural requirements, simplifying both selection and installation.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3798502B1Panel light and kit comprising said panel light
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 THORN LIGHTING
  • EP3798502B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3798502B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3798502B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention refers to a panel light (1), comprising an optical element panel (2) substantially extending in a plane and having a front side (21), a rear side (22) and a circumferential side edge (20) extending between the front side (21) and the rear side (22), a light source (3) to emit light via the optical element panel (2) for light output of the panel light (1), and an electronic module (4) to run the light source (3). An opening (7) penetrates the optical element panel (2) to connect the front side (21) and the rear side (22) to form a through hole (70) designed to receive at least part of a functional component (8). The present invention also refers to a kit comprising a panel light (1) according to the present invention and a plurality of functional components (8) according to the present invention.