Recessed Light Dome Reflector Optical Element Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downlight designs face challenges in efficiently attaching and retaining additional optical elements to influence light output, with existing solutions often requiring attachment to the light exit opening, which can be cumbersome and limited in flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A built-in light design featuring a detachable dome-shaped reflector and a retaining ring with a connecting device that allows for the secure clamping of optical elements between the reflector and a head reflector, enabling easy assembly and exchange of components, including LEDs, and allowing for further components at the light exit opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional optical elements are attached to the light exit opening of the reflector, then the light output can be influenced, but the attachment is cumbersome and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of optical element configurationVSAvoidease of attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical element is nested between the reflector and the head reflector, creating a compact integrated structure. This allows the optical element to be securely positioned within the existing components rather than attached externally, improving both flexibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The downlight is divided into separable modules: the reflector, the optical element, and the head reflector can be independently assembled and disassembled. The connecting device enables easy attachment and detachment of the reflector assembly, allowing flexible configuration and maintenance of optical elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a retaining ring is provided for attaching optical elements, then optical components can be fixed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of optical elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining function is merged into the existing connecting device that attaches the reflector to the base body. The same connecting device that secures the reflector also clamps the optical element between these components, eliminating the need for a separate retaining ring mechanism and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the optical element is clamped between the reflector and head reflector, then reliable retention is ensured, but the assembly requires precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of optical elementsVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is designed to automatically position and clamp the optical element when the reflector is attached to the base body. The mechanical interaction between these components creates self-aligning features that guide the optical element into the correct position without requiring high-precision manual positioning or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This design ensures reliable retention of optical elements, facilitates easy assembly and maintenance, and allows for flexible configuration of light output, including uniform light emission and the use of different reflectors and optical components, enhancing the modular nature of the downlight.

Implementation Method 1

a base body for holding the light source, which is designed as a heat sink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the operation of the LEDs generates a not inconsiderable amount of heat. By arranging the light source in a recess of the heat sink, the heat can be dissipated effectively.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2539629B1Recessed light having a base body and a dome-shaped reflector
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2539629B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2539629B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP2539629B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a recessed light (1) having a base body (10) for holding a light source (15) and a dome-shaped reflector (25) which can be detachably fastened to the base body (10) by means of a connecting element. The connecting element is designed such that an optical element (30, 31) for influencing the emission of light is accommodated and fixed when the base body (10) and the reflector (25) are fitted together.