Socketed Linear LED Light With Integrated Glare-Suppressing Optics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED-based lighting solutions for workplaces face challenges in glare reduction and require complex assembly, with LEDs producing bright points of light and needing costly complete replacements, while existing linear light sources lack integrated glare control and have rigid connections prone to thermal deformation.

Innovation Solution

A socketed, linear light source with integrated plano-convex lenses and mirrored edges for glare reduction, allowing easy installation and modular assembly, featuring a plug-and-socket connection for tool-free bulb replacement and centered optical components for uniform light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LEDs are used to replace discharge tubes, then energy efficiency and lifespan are improved, but glare control deteriorates because LEDs produce concentrated bright points of light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidglare
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The linear light source is divided into multiple individual LED modules arranged along the tube, with each LED being a separate replaceable unit. This segmentation allows glare control to be addressed at the individual LED level through lenses and mirrors, while maintaining the overall linear lighting function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each LED is equipped with its own optical system including a lens for light distribution and mirrored edges for glare reduction. This local optimization of light control at each LED position eliminates the concentrated glare points while preserving the energy efficiency benefits of LEDs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If complete lamp replacement is performed when LEDs fail, then reliability is maintained, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting reliabilityVSAvoidreplacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into replaceable LED modules that can be individually replaced within the existing lamp housing. This allows replacement of only the failed LED module rather than the entire lamp assembly, reducing material consumption and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables recovery and reuse of the lamp housing, optical components, and electrical connections. Only the failed LED module is discarded and replaced, maximizing the utilization of existing components and minimizing waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Object-affected harmful factors

If glare-reducing elements are added to LED fixtures, then glare control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglare controlVSAvoidfixture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The glare control elements (lenses and mirrored edges) are merged with each individual LED module, creating an integrated optical unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate glare control mechanisms and simplifies the overall fixture design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each LED module is designed as a universal unit that combines light emission, light distribution, and glare control functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the overall lighting system.

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

4Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used between circuit board and glare suppressor, then structural stability is improved, but thermal deformation occurs due to different expansion rates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the circuit board and glare suppressor is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing the components to move independently in response to thermal expansion. This dynamic connection maintains structural stability while accommodating differential thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Ease of repair

If LED modules are made replaceable, then ease of maintenance is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The LED modules are segmented as independent replaceable units with standardized connectors. This segmentation enables easy removal and replacement while the standardized connection design ensures reliable electrical and mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A standardized socket or connector acts as an intermediary between the replaceable LED module and the lamp housing. This intermediary component ensures reliable connection while facilitating easy module replacement without direct manipulation of electrical contacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 glare-free, uniform lighting with easy installation and maintenance, ensuring efficient heat dissipation and preventing thermal deformation, while allowing for flexible light source lengths and tool-free bulb replacement.

Implementation Method 1

A very strong, but concentrated light source is first widened by the optical lens. For this purpose, a plano-convex lens element is used, with its flat side facing the LED.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Each lens has a recess surrounded by sloping, mirrored edges. The areas around the recess may be truncated pyramid-shaped.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4048937B1Socketed, linear lighting means having a plurality of light emitting diodes
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 LIFA INNOVATIVE LICHTSYSTEME GMBH DIE LICHTFABRIK
  • EP4048937B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4048937B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4048937B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a socketed, linear lighting means (100) having a plurality of light emitting diodes (21), at least comprising an elongate housing (10) which is open at at least one side and has at least one plug element (41) with integrated electrical conductor elements and/or has a plug socket (51) for mechanical and/or electrical connection to a lamp housing (201), and which comprises at least one circuit board (20) on which the light emitting diodes (21) are arranged, characterised in that a convex optical lens (31) and a glare suppressing element (60) are arranged above each light emitting diode (21), or groups of light emitting diodes (21), in the housing (10) which has, above each lens (31), an outwardly flaring recess (61) which is reflective at the edge.