Snap Connection for Emergency Lighting Panel Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information panels for emergency lighting systems require high operational effort for installation and maintenance due to complex mechanical and electrical connections, leading to increased costs and risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A snap connection is designed as both a mechanical and electrical conductor, allowing for simplified assembly and maintenance by eliminating the need for separate electrical lines and precise alignment, with snap elements serving as conductors for energy supply and control, and featuring a ring snap connection for enhanced stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanical and electrical connections are provided between holder and structural unit, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical and electrical connection functions into a single snap connection element. The snap connection includes both mechanical engagement features (protrusion and recess) and electrical contact elements (conductive contacts), eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical connection systems between the holder and structural unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap connection element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and alignment guidance. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity and mechanical stability.
2Reliability
If precise alignment guidance is provided for mechanical and electrical connections, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and design effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging mechanical and electrical alignment features into a single integrated snap connection structure, the patent reduces the number of independent alignment requirements. The protrusion and recess geometry provides inherent alignment guidance for both mechanical and electrical elements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap connection design creates a self-aligning system where the mechanical and electrical elements are positioned at equivalent alignment potentials. The geometric relationship between protrusion and recess ensures that both mechanical engagement and electrical contact occur at the same alignment stage, eliminating cumulative tolerance errors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex mechanical and electrical connection systems are used, then connection stability is achieved, but installation and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information board into modular components (holder, structural unit with display and light-conducting plate) connected by a simple snap connection. This segmentation allows the structural unit to be quickly detached and reattached without complex tools or procedures, significantly reducing installation and maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap connection provides dynamic functionality, allowing the structural unit to be easily inserted and locked into position during installation, and quickly removed during maintenance. The connection transitions between locked and unlocked states through simple actions, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining stable operation during use.
4Reliability
If multiple separate connection elements are provided, then functional reliability is improved, but risk of damage to individual components increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining mechanical and electrical connection elements into a single integrated snap connection structure, the patent reduces the number of separate components that could potentially fail or be damaged. The integrated design protects electrical contacts within the mechanical connection housing, reducing exposure to damage during handling and installation.
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 simplifies the assembly and maintenance of information panels, reduces production costs, and enhances safety by allowing secure electrical connections through mechanical guidance, while reducing the risk of damage and design complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one illuminant (6) which has at least one light-emitting diode (17)
Implementation Method 2
at least one positive-locking snap connection (8, 11) acting on the light-conducting plate (4) forming a mechanical connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The board (1) comprises a holder (2), a back-lit display (5), a lighting element (6) having a LED (17), and a light-conductive plate (4) for backlighting the display. The light-conductive plate, the display and the lighting element are arranged to form a detachable assembly (9) for mechanical and electrical connections of the holder. A pair of form-locking snap connection element (8,11) comprises a pair of snap-in element (10,12) which is formed as an electrical conductor for supplying power and/or control of the lighting element.