Troffer Lighting Grounding via Integrated Locking Tabs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing troffer-based lighting systems face challenges in achieving safe and cost-effective grounding continuity, often requiring additional assembly steps like screwing, welding, or bending, which increase costs and error possibilities.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a troffer-based lighting arrangement where the lighting unit is secured within the luminaire using locking tabs and protruding elements, providing grounding continuity through physical contact without the need for additional assembly actions, utilizing an interference fit and optional catch tabs for enhanced safety and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional grounding methods (screws, welding, bending) are used to ensure grounding continuity, then safety is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding continuityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the grounding function with the mechanical attachment function by integrating grounding lances into the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes both locking tabs for mechanical retention and grounding lances for electrical grounding, merging two previously separate functions into a single integrated component that achieves both mechanical attachment and electrical grounding simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment assembly serves multiple functions: it mechanically attaches the lighting unit to the troffer using locking tabs, provides grounding continuity through integrated grounding lances, and includes catch tabs for additional mechanical retention. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate grounding components and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional grounding components and assembly steps are used, then grounding safety is improved, but material cost and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the grounding function with the mechanical attachment function by integrating grounding lances into the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes both locking tabs for mechanical retention and grounding lances for electrical grounding, merging two previously separate functions into a single integrated component that achieves both mechanical attachment and electrical grounding simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional grounding methods are used, then grounding continuity is achieved, but assembly time and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding continuityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding lances are pre-integrated into the attachment assembly during manufacturing, so that grounding continuity is established automatically when the attachment assembly is installed. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate grounding operations during assembly, thereby increasing assembly speed without compromising grounding reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the grounding function with the mechanical attachment function by integrating grounding lances into the attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes both locking tabs for mechanical retention and grounding lances for electrical grounding, merging two previously separate functions into a single integrated component that achieves both mechanical attachment and electrical grounding simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10767845B2Core troffer snap in and grounding assembly

Publication Date: 2020.09.08 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

The invention provides a troffer-based lighting arrangement (100) comprising end plates (1100) and a lighting unit (1200) configured between said end plates (1100), wherein the lighting unit (1200) comprises a grounding point (1207) and head ends, wherein the end plates (1100) are associated with the respective head ends via connectors (1300), wherein the lighting unit (1200) and end plates (1100) are in physical contact with each other for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit (1200) and the end plates (1100), and which connectors (1300) comprise head end locking tabs and end plate locking slots (1103), wherein the locking tabs reside in the respective locking slots (1103).