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Locking System For Optical Elements

Abstract: A locking system (200) for coupling optical elements (120, 130) of an illuminating device is disclosed. The locking system (200) includes two or more protruding ribs (210) formed on a first optical element (120) and corresponding two or more ridges (220) formed on a second optical element (130). The protruding ribs (210) formed on the first optical element (120) are adapted to engage with the ridges (220) formed on the second optical element (130), thereby forming a sub-assembly of optical elements (140). The sub-assembly of optical elements (140) is further adapted to be coupled with a light source (110) to form an optical assembly (100) of the illuminating device. The locking system (200) of the present disclosure facilitates multiple points of coupling between the optical elements (120, 130), thereby accurate relation between the optical elements (120, 130) is maintained.

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Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
02 July 2021
Publication Number
08/2023
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
ipo@knspartners.com
Parent Application

Applicants

MINDA INDUSTRIES LIMITED
4W Lighting Division, an Indian company of Vill. Naharpur, Kasan, P.O. Nakhrola, Manesar, Distt. Gurgaon 122004, Haryana

Inventors

1. RAJKARN PRASAD
Rose, 1003B/29, 11, Krishana Colony, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India
2. SMRUTI RANJAN SASMAL
8, Dagarasahi,P.O-Patapur, Kakatpur, Puri 752108, Odisha, India
3. MOHIT KUMAR SHARMA
198, 1, Surya Vihar, Sector-4, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India
4. CHANDRA SHEKHAR SINGH
C/o Arun Kumar Singh, P.O. Baraon, P.S. Nokha, Sasaram, Distt. Rohtas 802215, Bihar, India

Specification

The present disclosure relates to the field of illuminating devices. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for locking optical elements of an illuminating device for the automobile.
BACKGROUND
[002] Lamps used in vehicles, generally, employ LED (light emitting diode) light sources for illumination of path/space ahead and in the rear of the vehicles. Said lamps include an arrangement of a light source and an optical element, for example, a reflector, lens, etc., for spreading the light emitted from the light source and adequately illuminating the path/space. The arrangement includes the optical element mounted on and/or coupled with the light source. For better illumination, it is required that the arrangement of the light source and the optical element always remain intact and the position of the optical element with respect to the light source remains unchanged. Further, in the case of lamps having more than one optical element, assembly tolerances of the light source and optical elements may cause big deviations in light behaviour, thereby failing in fulfilling the regulatory requirements.
[003] To counter the above problems, screws are often used for mounting and ensuring accurate alignment between the light source and the optical elements of the lamps. However, screws are usually visible from the outside which makes the lamps aesthetically unappealing and cause a loss of light in the lamps. Also, there exists an issue of warpage in optical elements during assembly of the optical elements because of the uneven tightening of the screw at different places, further resulting in disturbing the arrangement of the optical elements with respect to each other and further with respect to the light source.
[004] Another known solution for mounting optical elements include a notch-notch hole arrangement as shown in Figure 1. The said arrangement includes a notch (12) formed on a first optical element (10) and a notch hole (22) defined on

a second optical element (20). For coupling the first optical element (10) with the second optical element (20), the notch (12) is adapted to be received in the notch hole (22) with an interference fit therebetween, at least at one mating plane. Referring to Figure 1, an open condition or an uncoupled state of the optical elements (10, 20) is shown with dotted lines and a closed condition or a coupled state of the optical elements (10, 20) is shown in solid lines. However, as can be seen in Figure 1, an effective locking length (x) between the optical elements (10, 20) is insufficient for providing desired locking or coupling of the optical elements (10, 20). Also, in absence of any motion limiting element, there exist significant changes of position offset of the optical elements (10,20) with respect to each other, thereby separating the optical elements and/or difficulties in coupling the optical elements (10, 20). Further, since there exists a plane of contact between the optical elements, pivoting or rotation of the optical elements 10, 20 with respect to each other uncouples the optical elements (10, 20).
[005] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved locking system for mounting and/or coupling the optical elements of the illuminating device, and that overcomes the problems identified above. The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.
OBJECTIVE OF THE DISCLOSURE
[006] One or more drawbacks of conventional arrangements and in the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through a locking system for coupling optical elements as described in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure.
[007] The objective of present disclosure is to provide a locking system for mounting and/or coupling the optical elements of an illuminating device.

[008] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a locking system that includes two or more protruding ribs formed on a first optical element and two or more ridges correspondingly formed on a second optical element, wherein the protruding ribs are adapted to engage with the ridges to mount and secure the first optical element with the second optical element.
[009] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an optical assembly of the light source and the optical elements for the illuminating device which facilitates multiple points of coupling between the optical elements, thereby accurate relation between the optical elements is maintained.
[010] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an illuminating device that is aesthetically more appealing and has a warpage-free arrangement/ mounting that ensures accurate optical arrangement which is instrumental in ensuring optical behaviour.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[011] The present disclosure overcomes one or more drawbacks of conventional arrangements as described in the prior art and provides additional advantages through an arrangement as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[012] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical assembly is disclosed. The optical assembly comprises a printed circuit board having a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted thereon. A first optical element and a second optical element are connected to the printed circuit board through a fastening means to form the optical assembly. A locking system for coupling the first optical element and the second optical element. The locking system comprises a plurality of protruding ribs which are formed either on a periphery of the first

optical element or the second optical element. A plurality of ridges formed either on a periphery of the first optical element or the second optical element. The plurality of protruding ribs are adapted to engage with the plurality of ridges to mount and couple the first optical element with the second optical element.
[013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of protruding ribs and the plurality of ridges are integrally formed on the first optical element and the second optical element.
[014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of protruding ribs are formed on the first optical element at spaced intervals and extend towards the second optical element.
[015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ridges are formed on the second optical element at an inner side surface of the second optical element facing towards the first optical element and at positions corresponding to the plurality of protruding ribs formed on the first optical element.
[016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the protruding ribs formed on the first optical element is adapted to engage with a corresponding ridge formed on the second optical element.
[017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the protruding ribs formed on the first optical element comprises a base and two legs extending from the base towards the second optical element.
[018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the two legs of the protruding ribs is integrally formed with the base and defines a curved notch formed between the legs such that the two legs together define a circular or cylindrical groove in the protruding rib to receive a ridge formed on the second optical element.

[019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the ridges which are formed on the second optical element includes a tubular protrusion extending from the inner side surface of the second optical element and a stopper formed at a top end of the tubular protrusion and configured to prevent disengagement of the protruding rib and the corresponding ridge.
[020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first optical element is press-fitted or snap-fitted on the second optical element such that each of the protruding ribs engages with the corresponding ridge to couple the first optical element to the second optical element.
[021] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking system for coupling the first optical element and the second optical element is disclosed. The locking system comprises a plurality of protruding ribs which are formed either on a periphery of the first optical element or the second optical element. A plurality of ridges formed either on a periphery of the first optical element or the second optical element. The plurality of protruding ribs are adapted to engage with the plurality of ridges to mount and couple the first optical element with the second optical element.
[022] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[023] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by

way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a notch-notch hole arrangement for coupling optical elements, in accordance with conventional locking systems known in the prior art.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an optical assembly for an illuminating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of the optical assembly of Figure 2 and illustrates various different components of the optical assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a sub-assembly of optical elements of the optical assembly of Figures 2 and 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an exploded view of the sub-assembly of optical elements of Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a locking system of the optical assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective of the locking system of Figure 6 in a coupled state and an uncoupled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[024] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to

other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[025] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[026] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a locking system for mounting and securing optical elements of an illuminating device. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the locking system. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[027] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup or device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[028] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
[029] Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 2 to 7. In the figures, the same element or elements which have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[030] An illuminating device (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, may be used as a lamp (for example, headlight, taillight, etc.) for an automobile or a vehicle. In other embodiments, the illuminating device may be used as a floodlight luminaire, indoor and outdoor lamps (for example, streetlights, etc.), and the like. The illuminating device may be capable of and configured to refract light produced from one or more light sources in such a way as to produce a beam of light. Such a beam of light may be useful in illuminating a path of the vehicle or space around the vehicle, illuminating a field, and the like.
[031] In accordance with the disclosure, the illuminating device, or the lamp (not shown) includes an optical assembly (100), as shown in Figures 2 and 3, capable of and configured to produce and refract light in such a way as to produce the beam of light. The optical assembly (100) along with other components, for example, reflectors, blinkers, turn indicators, etc., is housed within a housing of the illuminating device. The optical assembly (100) may be adapted to draw power from a battery of the vehicle, which in turn is charged by an alternator/dynamo run by the vehicle's engine.
[032] The optical assembly (100) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) (110) having a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) (112) mounted and soldered thereon. The printed circuit board (110) may also include other electrical or electronic components connected with each other and/or with the plurality of LEDs (112) using conductive tracks etched from one or more sheet layers of copper

laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate. The printed circuit board (110) may be electrically coupled with the battery of the vehicle for drawing current to run the plurality of LEDs (112) and produce light in the illuminating device.
[033] The optical assembly (100) further comprises a first optical element (120) and a second optical element (130) coupled to the printed circuit board (110) and positioned downstream to the printed circuit board (110) in a beam of light direction. The first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130) may include, but are not limited to, a reflector, lens, projector lens, halo rings, etc. The first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130) may be made of a transparent or a translucent material including, but not limited to, synthetic resins, polymers, etc., and selected so as to refract, project, or scatter the beam of light according to the requirement.
[034] Each of the printed circuit board (110), the first optical element (120), and the second optical element (130) may be formed of any suitable shape as per the geometry (i.e., shape, style, size, etc.) of the illuminating device and/or as per illuminance desired from the illuminating device. In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 2-5, each of the printed circuit board (110), the first optical element (120), and the second optical element (130) are formed in the shape of a cuboid having an upper side length 'LI' and a lower side length 'L2'.
[035] Referring again to Figures 2-5, in accordance with the disclosure, the first optical element (120) is coupled to the second optical element (130) to form a sub-assembly of optical elements (140), and the sub-assembly of optical elements (140) is coupled with the printed circuit board (110) to form the optical assembly (100). In an embodiment, the first optical element (120) is coupled to the second optical element (130) via a locking system (200), as shown in Figures 4 and 5, to form the sub-assembly of optical elements (140), and the sub-assembly of optical elements

(140) is coupled with the printed circuit board (110) using fastening means (150) to form the optical assembly (100), as shown in Figure 3.
[036] Referring again to Figures 4 and 6, the locking system (200) of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of protruding ribs (210) formed on a periphery of one of the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130), and a plurality of ridges (220) formed on a periphery of the other of the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130). The plurality of protruding ribs (210) is adapted to engage with the plurality of ridges (220) to mount and couple the first optical element (120) with the second optical element (130) to form the sub-assembly of the optical elements (140). The plurality of protruding ribs (210) and the plurality of ridges (220) may either be integrally formed on the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130) or joined separately to the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130) by known techniques, for example, adhesion, etc. Also, the plurality of protruding ribs (210) and the plurality of ridges (220) may be formed of the same material as that of the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130).
[037] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, two or more protruding ribs (210) are formed on the first optical element (120) at spaced intervals along the upper side length 'LI' and the lower side length 'L2' of the first optical element (120). Each of the two or more protruding ribs (210) extends towards the second optical element (130). Also, two or more ridges (220) are formed on the second optical element (130) along the upper side length 'LI' and the lower side length 'L2' of the second optical element (130). The two or more ridges (220) are formed on an inner side surface (132) of the second optical element (130) facing towards the first optical element (120) and at positions corresponding to the two or more protruding ribs (210) formed on the first optical element (120). The two or more ridges (220) extend from the inner side surface (132) to the upper side length 'LI' or the lower side length 'L2' of the second optical element (130). Each protruding rib (210) formed on the first optical element (120) is adapted to engage with a corresponding ridge

(220) formed on the second optical element (130) to mount and couple the first optical element (120) with the second optical element (130) and to form the sub-assembly of optical elements (140).
[038] In accordance with the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 6, each of the protruding rib (210) formed on the first optical element (120) has a 'U-shaped' configuration including a base (212) and two legs (214) extending from the base (212) towards the second optical element (130). The base (212) of the protruding rib (210) is attached with or joined to the upper side length 'LI' and/or the lower side length 'L2' of the first optical element (120). Each of the two legs (214) of the protruding ribs (210) is integrally formed with the base (212) and defines a curved notch/cut-out formed in a middle section of the legs (214) such that the two legs (214) together define a circular or cylindrical groove (216) in the protruding rib (210) to receive a ridge (220) formed on the second optical element (130).
[039] Further, each of the ridges (220) formed on the second optical element (130) includes a tubular protrusion (222) (shown in Figure 5) extending from the inner side surface (132) of the second optical element (130) and a stopper (224) formed at a top end of the tubular protrusion (222) and configured to prevent disengagement of the protruding rib (210) and the corresponding ridge (220). A diameter of the tubular protrusion (222) of each of the ridges (220) is such that an interference fit is formed between the tubular protrusion (222) of the ridge (220) and the circular or cylindrical groove (216) of the corresponding protruding rib (210) when the protruding rib (210) is engaged with the ridge (220) to mount and secure the first optical element (120) to the second optical element (130). Also, a gap is defined between the stopper (224) of each of the ridges (220) and the upper side length 'LI' or the lower side length 'L2' of the second optical element (130) such that the gap is sufficiently sized to receive the two legs (214) of the corresponding protruding rib (210).

[040] To form the sub-assembly of optical elements (140), the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130) are brought closer to each other such that the two or more protruding ribs (210) formed on the first optical element (120) are aligned with the corresponding two or more ridges (220) formed on the second optical element (130). Once the protruding ribs (210) are in alignment with the ridges (220), the first optical element (120) is press-fitted or snap-fitted on the second optical element (130) such that each of the protruding ribs (210) engages with the corresponding ridge (220) to mount and secure the first optical element (120) to the second optical element (130), thus locking the first and second optical elements (120, 130) together.
[041] For press-fitting, the first and second optical elements (120, 130), the protruding ribs (210), and the ridges (220) are aligned with each other and a force on either or both of the first and second optical elements (120, 130) is applied such that the tubular protrusions (222) of the ridges (220) enter the circular or cylindrical grooves (216) of the protruding ribs (210). On application of the force, the tubular protrusions (222) exert a push force at the tips of the two legs (214) of the corresponding protruding ribs (210), thereby deflecting the two legs (214) and entering the circular or cylindrical grooves (216) of the protruding ribs (210). Also, the elasticity of the material of the protruding ribs (210) facilitates deflection of the two legs (214), thereby allowing the tubular protrusions (222) to enter the circular grooves (216). Referring to Figure 7, an open condition or uncoupled state of the first and second optical elements (120, 130) is shown in a dashed line, and a closed condition or a coupled state of the first and second optical elements (120, 130) is shown in solid line.
[042] Further, a number of protruding ribs (210) formed on the first optical element (120) and a number of corresponding ridges (220) formed on the second optical element (130), thus the number of coupling points, may be determined on the basis a total length of each of the first and second optical elements (120, 130) and/or according to a geometry of the illuminating device. In accordance with an

embodiment of the present disclosure, it is desired to maintain a minimum number of coupling points in the sub-assembly of optical elements (140), while maintaining a distance of at most 50 mm between two (2) adjacent coupling points.
[043] The above-described structural configuration of the locking system (200), in particular the structural geometry of the protruding ribs (210) and the ridges (220), ensures optimizing assembly tolerances of the optical elements (120, 130). Within the scope of the present disclosure, a minimum tolerance of ±0.1mm between the protruding ribs (210) and the ridges (220) is provided. The locking system (200) provides multiple points of coupling between the optical elements (120, 130) whereby said multiple points of coupling are provided along the periphery of the optical elements (120, 130) to provide a desired fixed coupling between the optical elements (120, 130). In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multiple points of coupling are provided in a way that the lock position of one such coupling is at the center of two adjacent focal points of the optical elements (120,130). It can be contemplated that the protruding ribs (210) and the ridges (220) acting as the mating components of the sub-assembly of optical elements (140) are designed in such a manner that a relative movement or dislocation of the optical elements (120,130) with respect to each other is restricted, thereby keeping the sub-assembly of optical elements (140) intact. Further, since the locking system (200) eliminates the need of using external fasteners or screws, the assembly tolerances ensure warpage-free sub-assembly of the optical elements (120, 130). Also, the protruding ribs (210) and the ridges (220) are provided at the inner peripheral sides of the optical elements (120, 130), and the locking system (200) and its components are neither visible from the outside nor do they cause any loss of light from the illuminating device. Therefore, the illuminating devices of the present disclosure result in the aesthetically more appealing illuminating device and ensure adequate illumination of the path or space around the vehicle.
[044] In accordance with the disclosure, the sub assembly of optical elements (140) is further coupled with the printed circuit board (110) having a plurality of

LEDs (112) using fastening means (150) to form the optical assembly (100) of the illuminating device. In an embodiment, the fastening means (150) may include screws, fasteners, or any suitable coupler. To couple the sub-assembly of optical elements (140) with the printed circuit board (100), fastening means (150) are mounted in fastening holes (152) formed in the end flanges of each of the printed circuit board (110), the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130), thereby forming the optical assembly (100) of the illuminating device.
[045] Without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure, in addition to the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130), the sub-assembly of optical elements (140) may include other optical elements similar to the first optical element (120) and/or the second optical element (130). In said sub-assembly of the optical assembly, each of the optical elements disposed of in the middle of the sub-assembly includes protruding ribs (210) formed on one side surface and ridges (220) formed on the other side surface such that the protruding ribs (210) of one optical element engage with the ridges (220) formed on the adjacent optical element.
[046] It can be contemplated that the locking system (200) of the present disclosure employs protruding ribs and ridges (210, 220), and not screws, to couple the optical elements (120, 130), and accordingly, the problems identified above related to the aesthetics of the illuminating device and warpage of the optical elements (120, 130) can be overcome. In accordance with the disclosure, the locking system (200) facilitates multiple points of coupling between the optical elements (120, 130), thereby accurate relation between the optical elements (120, 130) is maintained. Also, the locking system (200) facilitates forming sub-assembly of optical elements (140), which can be coupled with the printed circuit board/light source (110). The screws are, therefore, not in the visible area and thus the illuminating device is aesthetically more appealing and has a warpage free arrangement/mounting that ensures accurate optical arrangement which is instrumental in ensuring optical behaviour. Further, the locking system (200) of the

present disclosure provides an effective locking length along the two sides of the ridges (220), and said effective length is significantly more than the effective locking length of the conventional locking arrangement, thereby an effective gripping and locking between the first and second optical elements (120, 130) are achieved. In addition, the locking system (200) of the present disclosure allows rotational movement of the protruding ribs (210) with respect to the ridges (220) and reduces the chances of positional offset or uncoupling during a sudden shock and relative movement therebetween.
[047] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
[048] EQUIVALENTS:
[049] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[050] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current

knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
[051] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
[052] The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
[053] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
[054] The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or

quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
List of reference numeral: -

Description Reference numerals
Prior art
First optical element 10
Notch 12
Second optical element 20
Notch hole 22
Present disclosure
Optical assembly 100
Printed circuit board 110
Plurality of LEDs 112
First optical element 120
Second optical element 130
Inner side surface 132
Sub assembly of optical elements 140
Fastening means 150
Fastening holes 152
Locking system 200
Protruding ribs 210
Base 212
Legs 214
Circular or cylindrical groove 216
Ridges 220
Tubular protrusion 222
Stopper 224
Upper side length LI

Lower side length L2


WE Claim:

1. An optical assembly (100) comprising:
a printed circuit board (110) having a plurality of light emitting diodes (112) mounted thereon;
a first optical element (120) and a second optical element (130) connected to the printed circuit board (110) through a fastening means (150) to form the optical assembly (100);
a locking system (200) for coupling the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130), the locking system (200) comprising:
a plurality of protruding ribs (210) formed either on a
periphery of the first optical element (120) or the second optical
element (130);
a plurality of ridges (220) formed either on a periphery of the
first optical element (120) or the second optical element (130);
wherein the plurality of protruding ribs (210) are adapted to
engage with the plurality of ridges (220) to mount and couple the first
optical element (120) with the second optical element (130).
2. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protruding ribs (210) and the plurality of ridges (220) are integrally formed on the first optical element (120) and the second optical element (130).
3. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protruding ribs (210) are formed on the first optical element (120) at spaced intervals and extend towards the second optical element (130).
4. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of ridges (220) are formed on the second optical element (130) at an inner side surface (132) of the second optical element (130) facing towards the first

optical element (120) and at positions corresponding to the plurality of protruding ribs (210) formed on the first optical element (120).
5. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the protruding rib (210) formed on the first optical element (120) is adapted to engage with a corresponding ridge (220) formed on the second optical element (130).
6. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the protruding rib (210) formed on the first optical element (120) comprises a base (212) and two legs (214) extending from the base (212) towards the second optical element (130).
7. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the two legs (214) of the protruding ribs (210) is integrally formed with the base (212) and defines a curved notch formed between the legs (214) such that the two legs (214) together define a circular or cylindrical groove (216) in the protruding rib (210) to receive a ridge (220) formed on the second optical element (130).
8. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the ridges (220) formed on the second optical element (130) includes a tubular protrusion (222) extending from the inner side surface (132) of the second optical element (130) and a stopper (224) formed at a top end of the tubular protrusion (222) and configured to prevent disengagement of the protruding rib (210) and the corresponding ridge (220).
9. The locking system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first optical element (120) is press-fitted or snap-fitted on the second optical element (130) such that each of the protruding ribs (210) engages with the

corresponding ridge (220) to couple the first optical element (120) to the second optical element (130).
10. A locking system (200) for coupling a first optical element (120) and a second optical element (130), the locking system (200) comprising:
a plurality of protruding ribs (210) formed either on a periphery of the first optical element (120) or the second optical element (130);
a plurality of ridges (220) formed either on a periphery of the first optical element (120) or the second optical element (130);
wherein the plurality of protruding ribs (210) are adapted to engage with the plurality of ridges (220) to mount and couple the first optical element (120) with the second optical element (130).

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202111029888-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
2 202111029888-PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
3 202111029888-POWER OF AUTHORITY [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
4 202111029888-FORM 1 [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
5 202111029888-DRAWINGS [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
6 202111029888-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [02-07-2021(online)].pdf 2021-07-02
7 202111029888-DRAWING [28-06-2022(online)].pdf 2022-06-28
8 202111029888-CORRESPONDENCE-OTHERS [28-06-2022(online)].pdf 2022-06-28
9 202111029888-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [28-06-2022(online)].pdf 2022-06-28
10 202111029888-Proof of Right [27-07-2022(online)].pdf 2022-07-27
11 202111029888-FORM 18 [03-01-2023(online)].pdf 2023-01-03
12 202111029888-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [03-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-03
13 202111029888-POA [03-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-03
14 202111029888-FORM 13 [03-03-2023(online)].pdf 2023-03-03
15 202111029888-FER.pdf 2023-05-03
16 202111029888-PETITION UNDER RULE 137 [02-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-02
17 202111029888-OTHERS [02-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-02
18 202111029888-FER_SER_REPLY [02-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-02
19 202111029888-CLAIMS [02-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-02
20 202111029888-ABSTRACT [02-11-2023(online)].pdf 2023-11-02

Search Strategy

1 SearchHistory(3)E_02-05-2023.pdf