Spring-Retained Optical Module Mount for Easy LED Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminaires using mercury vapor lamps for curing UV-curable inks and varnishes face issues with service life, maintenance intensity, and heat development, and existing LED configurations often require complex retention systems that are not user-friendly or efficient for maintaining and replacing optical modules.
Innovation Solution
A retention apparatus comprising a retention body with receiving portions and spring elements that securely retain optical modules at a defined distance from the light source, allowing for easy replacement and minimizing the risk of damage, while providing a homogeneous spatial intensity profile without the need for plastic components that can fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retention systems with multiple screws and clamps are used to securely retain optical modules, then the retention reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for replacement and the device complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is divided into multiple receiving portions (first and second receiving portions) that independently engage with different sides of the optical module. This segmentation allows the module to be securely retained while enabling simple removal by lifting from the light output side, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements automatically exert retaining force on the optical module without requiring external fastening operations. The module can be removed by simply lifting it from the light output side against the spring force, eliminating the need for tools or complex disassembly procedures while maintaining reliable retention during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic components are used in the retention system for ease of manufacture and assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to fatigue in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is made of metal (aluminum or steel) to provide fatigue resistance in harsh thermal and chemical environments, while the spring elements can be made of elastic material to provide the necessary retaining force. This composite material approach combines the durability of metal with the functional properties of elastic materials, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
3Volume of stationary object
If optical modules are retained close to the light source to reduce luminaire size, then the volume is reduced, but the risk of damage to the modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system uses receiving portions that extend in directions perpendicular to the main optical axis, creating a multi-dimensional retention structure. The first receiving portion engages the light input side while the second receiving portion engages the light output side, providing retention in multiple dimensions and preventing damage even when the module is positioned close to the light source.
4Device complexity
If a simple retention structure is used to reduce device complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide homogeneous spatial intensity profile deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body is segmented into multiple receiving portions positioned at specific locations to engage different sides of the optical module. This segmentation allows for precise positioning of the module relative to the light source, ensuring a homogeneous spatial intensity profile while keeping the overall structure simple and avoiding the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
The solution enables secure, user-friendly, and efficient retention and replacement of optical modules, reducing the risk of damage and improving the homogeneity of the spatial intensity profile, thus enhancing the performance and maintenance of LED-based luminaires in industrial printing applications.
Implementation Method 1
b. in the opposite direction to the first direction by means of a spring force of the at least one spring element directed against the at least one optical module
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a retention apparatus comprisinga) a retention body, which delimits an inner region at least on a first side and a further side opposite to the first side, andb) at least one spring element;wherein the retention body comprises, on the first side, a first receiving portion facing the inner region and, on the further side, a second receiving portion facing the inner region; wherein the retention apparatus is embodied to retain at least one optical module, which has a light input side and an opposing light output side, by means of the first receiving portion, the second receiving portion, and the at least one spring element in a retention state,in such a way that the at least one optical module in the retention state is retaineda. in a first direction extending from the light input side to the light output side by means of an interlock ofi. the at least one optical module with the first receiving portion andii. the at least one optical module with the second receiving portion, andb. in the opposite direction to the first direction by means of a spring force of the at least one spring element directed against the at least one optical module.Further, the invention relates to a luminaire having the retention apparatus according to the invention; a printing machine having the luminaire according to the invention; a production method using the luminaire according to the invention; and uses of the retention apparatus according to the invention; and of the luminaire.