Retrofitting Mounting Ring for Recessed Luminaire Size Mismatch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed luminaire mounting systems are inflexible and require replacement of older recesses when modern luminaires with smaller dimensions are installed, leading to instability and mismatched appearances.

Innovation Solution

A modular mounting ring system with adjustable bars and a plate-shaped frame element that can be ultrasonically soldered, allowing flexible installation in various recess sizes and shapes, ensuring a uniform appearance and reduced component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an integrally formed mounting ring is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different recess sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different recess sizesVSAvoidmounting ring structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting ring is divided into separate components: a ring element and multiple adjustable bars that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing adaptability to various recess configurations without requiring a completely different mounting ring for each size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bars are designed to be height-adjustable along the ring element, allowing the mounting ring configuration to dynamically adapt to different recess depths and sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single mounting ring design to serve multiple installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional elements are placed between the flange portion and the bottom surface to adapt to larger recesses, then adaptability is improved, but the appearance is mismatched and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofitting capabilityVSAvoidmounting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The frame element serves multiple functions: it extends the flange portion to reach the bottom surface of larger recesses, provides additional mounting surface area for improved stability, and maintains a unified appearance from the visible side. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adaptive elements while solving multiple problems simultaneously.

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

3Use of energy by moving object

If modern recessed luminaires with smaller dimensions are installed in older recesses, then energy efficiency is improved, but the recess becomes too large and unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame element extends in the radial dimension from the flange portion to reach the bottom surface of the recess, effectively utilizing the depth dimension to compensate for the size mismatch between modern luminaires and older recesses. This dimensional extension provides stable contact with the bottom surface while accommodating smaller luminaire units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 retrofitting of recessed luminaires in existing recesses with improved stability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness by adapting to different dimensions and shapes while maintaining a cohesive design.

Implementation Method 1

a plate shaped frame element that is attached to the flange portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic soldering: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4610547A1Retrofitting mounting ring and system for a recessed luminaire
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP4610547A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4610547A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2E
  • EP4610547A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A recessed luminaire (1), having a mounting system (10) comprising a mounting ring (100) for mounting a luminaire unit (20) of the recessed luminaire (1) in a recess (990) of an assembly structure (900), the assembly structure (900) having a top surface (991) and a bottom surface (992). The mounting ring (100) and the mounting system (10) are likewise configured for insertion and installation in the recess (990) in an installation direction (D). The mounting ring (100) comprises a ring element (110), wherein the ring element (110) comprises a flange portion (112) that is configured to interact with the bottom surface (992); and at least two bars (120) that are arranged on the ring element (110). Each bar (120) is configured for coupling with a latch arm (200) of the mounting system (10), wherein each latch arm (200) interacts with the top surface (991) and holds the mounting ring (100) within the recess (990). Furthermore, the mounting ring (100) comprises a plate shaped frame element (300) that is attached to the flange portion (112), wherein the frame element (300) is arranged on a surface of the flange portion (112) opposite to the surface facing the bottom surface (992) of the assembly structure (900), and wherein the frame element (300) extends the flange portion (112) distally and thus forms a contact surface for interaction with the bottom surface (992).