Removable Flat-Panel Lamp Fixture Using Gravity Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat-panel lamps in suspended ceilings lack a simple and safe means for replacement and power distribution, making it difficult and costly to remove or replace faulty panels.
Innovation Solution
A removable flat-panel lamp with externally accessible electrode contacts and a suspended fixture that uses gravity to align and securely hold the lamps, providing electrical connections for easy installation and removal while ensuring electrical safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If flat-panel lamps are installed in suspended ceilings using conventional methods, then the lighting function is achieved, but the replacement and maintenance become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flat-panel lamp into separable components: a removable lamp module and a fixed fixture portion. The lamp module contains the OLED light source and can be independently removed from the fixture, allowing easy replacement without disturbing the power distribution system. This segmentation enables maintenance workers to simply swap the lamp module rather than dealing with complex wiring and power distribution components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power distribution system from the removable lamp module and places it in the fixed fixture portion. The lamp module is designed to be completely separable, containing only the light-emitting components. This extraction allows the lamp to be replaced without any manipulation of electrical connections or power distribution components, significantly simplifying the replacement process and improving safety.
2Ease of operation
If flat-panel lamps are made removable for easy replacement, then maintenance becomes simpler, but electrical safety and reliable power distribution become more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into a fixed power distribution component in the fixture and a removable lamp module with its own integrated contacts. The lamp module contains all necessary electrical contacts and connections within the removable portion, ensuring that no exposed electrical components are present during removal. This segmentation maintains electrical safety while enabling easy removal and installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical-electrical coupling mechanism that automatically establishes and breaks electrical connections during lamp installation and removal. This coupling mechanism includes complementary contact surfaces and alignment features that ensure reliable electrical contact when the lamp is installed, while automatically disconnecting when the lamp is removed. The intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the fixed fixture and removable lamp, ensuring both safety and ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lighting fixtures are used in suspended ceilings, then power distribution is established, but removing or replacing faulty panels is costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system into a permanent fixture portion containing the power distribution infrastructure and a disposable or replaceable lamp module. This segmentation allows the expensive and time-consuming power distribution system to be installed once and remain fixed, while the inexpensive lamp modules can be quickly swapped out during maintenance. The fixture portion includes mounting structures, power distribution components, and alignment features that are permanently installed in the suspended ceiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features and pre-configured electrical connections in the fixture portion that guide and prepare for lamp installation. The fixture includes built-in alignment guides, contact surfaces, and mounting structures that are pre-positioned to receive the lamp module in the correct orientation and position. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or electrical connections during the actual lamp replacement operation, significantly reducing maintenance time.
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
The solution provides a simple, safe, and reliable method for replacing flat-panel lamps in suspended ceilings, ensuring easy access to power distribution and reducing the cost and complexity of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a suspended fixture for removably receiving at least one of flat-panel lamps and holding at least a portion of each of the flat-panel lamps above a portion of the suspended fixture employing gravity to hold the at least one of flat-panel lamps in alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A flat-panel lamp and fixture system having a removable flat-panel lamp having at least two externally accessible electrode contacts and a suspended fixture for removably receiving at least one of flat-panel lamps and holding at least a portion of each of the flat-panel lamps above a portion of the suspended fixture. The system employs gravity to hold the at least one of flat-panel lamps in alignment having electrical connections for providing electrical connection to the at least two externally accessible electrode contacts.