Street Lighting Module Linear Plug-in Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting devices for streets and similar applications require complex processes for replacing light modules due to the need to disconnect both mechanical and electrical connections, making assembly and disassembly time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The integration of plug-in and latching elements allows for a linear movement to establish both mechanical and electrical connections, eliminating the need for additional fastening measures and enabling easy assembly and disassembly by simplifying the connection process, with the option for reversible installation positions to adjust light beam characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate fastening means and electrical contacting means are used for the lighting module, then reliable mechanical and electrical connections are achieved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate fastening means and electrical contacting means into a single integrated connector. The connector simultaneously provides mechanical fastening through a latch mechanism and electrical contact through integrated contacts, allowing both functions to be achieved in one assembly action rather than requiring separate operations for mechanical and electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: mechanical fastening via the latch, electrical connection through integrated contacts, and positioning guidance. This universal connector replaces what would traditionally require separate fastening elements and electrical connectors, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliable connections.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate connection components are used for mechanical fastening and electrical contact, then functional requirements are met, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate connection components into a single integrated connector assembly. Instead of using separate fasteners, latches, and electrical connectors, the design combines these functions into one unified component that accomplishes mechanical fastening and electrical connection simultaneously, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a universal multi-functional component that handles both mechanical fastening and electrical contact requirements. This single component performs the work of multiple separate components, reducing system complexity while maintaining all necessary connection functionalities for the lighting module application.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2494262B1Lighting device for streets and assembly method
Publication Date: 2014.07.09 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP2494262B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2494262B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2494262B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for streets, paths, and the like, having a housing (2) that can be positioned at a distance from a surface to be illuminated for receiving at least one lighting module (4) comprising a plurality of lighting units (14) having a luminous element and an optical element (16) associated with same and fastened on a carrier (15), wherein the plurality of lighting units and the carrier are mounted on a common module housing (13), wherein the module housing is covered by a sealing pane on a side facing in the main light emission direction of the lighting units, wherein the module housing (13) comprises fastening means (20, 23, 24) for removably fastening same on the housing (2), and wherein electrical contact means (17, 18, 19) are provided on the module housing for electrically connecting the lighting units to an external voltage source, wherein the fastening and contact means are designed such that the lighting module (4) can be brought from an assembled position, in which the lighting module is mechanically and electrically connected to the housing (2), to a disassembled position in which the lighting module (4) is not mechanically or electrically connected to the housing (2), and vice versa, exclusively by means of a linear displacement.