Segmented Recessed Spotlight for Narrow Plasterboard Gaps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing recessed spotlights face difficulties in mounting due to their bulkiness, particularly when the gap between the supporting structure and the wall is as small as 15 mm, making insertion and arrangement challenging, even for LED spotlights.

Innovation Solution

A recessed spotlight design comprising two separate parts: a thin sheet-like plate with lateral fins for easy insertion into a slot in the plasterboard slab, and a removable body for protection and closure, made from heat-dissipating materials and plaster respectively, facilitating assembly and heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional recessed spotlight with a bulk body is used, then the LED light group is protected and the slot is closed, but the insertion into the gap becomes difficult when the gap width is only 15 mm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidspotlight body volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spotlight is divided into two separate parts: a thin sheet-like plate that is inserted into the gap through the slot, and a body that protects the LED and closes the slot. The plate has minimal bulk thickness allowing it to fit through the 15 mm gap, while the body is attached afterward to provide protection and closure functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the spotlight body is made thick to protect the LED and close the slot, then protection and closure functions are improved, but the mounting operation becomes more difficult in narrow gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED protectionVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of LED protection and slot closure are separated from the insertion component. The thin plate handles insertion into the gap, while the body (attached afterward) provides the protection and closure functions, eliminating the conflict between thickness and ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thin plate is first inserted into the gap through the slot and positioned against the inner wall of the supporting structure. Only after this preliminary insertion step is the body applied to provide protection and closure, allowing the insertion operation to be performed with minimal bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the entire spotlight body is inserted into the gap, then the LED is protected and the slot is closed, but the assembly cannot be inserted when the gap is only 15 mm wide

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot closureVSAvoidspotlight thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spotlight assembly is segmented into a thin plate component and a body component. The plate, with minimal thickness, is inserted first to establish position and provide slot closure, while the body is attached afterward to provide LED protection, avoiding the need to insert a thick entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thin plate is inserted preliminarily into the gap through the slot before the body is applied. This preliminary insertion establishes the position and provides initial slot closure, allowing the thicker body to be attached afterward without requiring insertion through the narrow gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simple and rapid assembly of recessed spotlights, allowing for successful mounting even in narrow gaps, as only the thin plate is inserted, reducing bulk and improving installation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the plate is made from a material that is capable of rapidly letting off the heat generated by the LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2886948B1Recessed spotlight
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 BELFIORE
  • EP2886948B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2886948B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present finding concerns recessed spotlights, to be applied on slabs constituting double walls and/or false ceilings, of the type consisting of a block containing a light group provided with lateral fins for fixing to the inner part of the aforementioned slabs. Such recessed spotlight (10) is characterised in that it consists of two separate parts (1, 2), which are assembled to one another during assembly on the supporting wall, such as a slab of plasterboard, which defines a gap.