Removable Optical Structure Luminaire Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminaires lack the ability for users to easily change decorative elements and optical structures to adapt to different lighting requirements, leading to unsuitable lighting for changing room functions.

Innovation Solution

A luminaire design featuring a light engine with a removable optical structure and decorative element, where the optical structure has a protruding annular portion for supporting the decorative element, allowing users to change the light output characteristics by selecting different optical structures and decorative elements to suit specific lighting needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the luminaire uses fixed optical structures and decorative elements, then the manufacturing cost and structural complexity are reduced, but the adaptability to different lighting requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different lighting requirementsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire is divided into separable modules: a base unit containing the light engine and removable optical structures. The optical structure includes a decorative element, diffuser, and lens that can be detached and replaced independently, allowing users to reconfigure lighting patterns without replacing the entire luminaire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different optical structures through standardized mounting interfaces. This allows a single base unit to serve multiple lighting functions (spot, flood, ambient) by simply changing the optical structure attachment.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the luminaire allows easy replacement of decorative elements and optical structures, then the adaptability to changing room functions is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in lighting configurationsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decorative element, diffuser, and lens are merged into a single integrated optical structure assembly. This reduces the number of separate components users must handle and replace, while still providing the flexibility to change lighting characteristics by swapping the entire assembly as one unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical structure is designed with nested components where the decorative element surrounds the diffuser, which in turn surrounds the lens. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging and simplifies the replacement process, as the entire nested assembly can be removed and replaced as a single unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the optical structure is permanently integrated with the housing, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ease of operation for changing lighting patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of changing lighting patternsVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple optical structures are pre-manufactured with standardized mounting features that match corresponding receptacles on the base unit. This preliminary preparation of standardized interfaces enables quick tool-free installation and removal, making the luminaire easy to reconfigure without requiring complex assembly procedures during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of repair

If the luminaire is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair and component replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of component replacementVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The optical structure is extracted as a separate removable component from the base unit, allowing it to be independently replaced without affecting the structural integrity or other components of the luminaire. The standardized mounting interface ensures stable connection during use while enabling easy removal for replacement or repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables users to customize light output and distribution without replacing the entire luminaire, reducing waste and providing flexibility in lighting configurations to match changing room functions, while maintaining aesthetic and functional purposes.

Implementation Method 1

a light engine for emitting light, wherein the light engine comprises one or more LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

an optical structure positioned to receive the light emitted by the light engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical refraction and reflection: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3149393B1Decorative LED integrated luminaire
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3149393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3149393B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3149393B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A luminaire is provided, the luminaire is fitted with a decorative element (3) that is simple to exchange for a user without the need for additional tooling. Further, a range of optical structures (2) are provided that enable the user to easily tailor the light distribution generated by his luminaire without having to purchase an entire new luminaire.