Adjustable Downlight with Vertical and Angled Tracks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Optic lights often experience light blockage due to fixed positioning, which limits their ability to project light effectively without shadows or interference from ceiling materials.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable downlight fixture with a vertically and angularly movable optics housing, supported by a heat sink and tracks with ball bearings, allowing for positioning from zero to 40 degrees relative to the vertical, and capable of extending below the frame level to minimize shadow creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the optics housing is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but light blockage occurs due to inability to adjust positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidtrack mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed optics housing into a dynamic, adjustable component through the implementation of vertical and angled tracks with ball bearings. The optics housing can move vertically along the tracks and angle between 0-40 degrees, converting a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different lighting requirements while maintaining structural integrity through precision-engineered guide tracks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism is segmented into independent functional components: vertical tracks for height adjustment, angled tracks for angular positioning, and ball bearing mechanisms for smooth movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling comprehensive positioning flexibility through combination of these modular elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If the optics housing is positioned close to the ceiling material, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but light blockage by ceiling materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight projection effectivenessVSAvoidshadow creation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the optics housing vertically below the frame in addition to angular adjustment, creating a three-dimensional positioning capability. This vertical extension allows the light source to protrude below the ceiling plane, illuminating areas that would otherwise be in shadow while maintaining a sleek profile when retracted, thus solving the shadow problem without compromising aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameters of the optics housing dynamically - adjusting both vertical position and angular orientation (0-40 degrees) to optimize light projection. By varying these parameters, the system can adapt to different installation scenarios and eliminate shadowing effects caused by ceiling materials while maintaining aesthetic appearance when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the support structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but positioning precision and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Ball bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between the support structure and the optics housing. These ball bearings facilitate precise movement along the guide tracks while reducing friction and wear, enabling accurate positioning without requiring an overly complex support structure. The ball bearings act as mediators that translate simple track geometry into precise, repeatable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simpler guide track and ball bearing mechanism. Instead of using multiple interconnected mechanical linkages or actuators, the system uses straightforward vertical and angled tracks with ball bearings that provide both simplicity and precision, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 flexible positioning that prevents light blockage, allowing the downlight to project light without shadows on the trim or ceiling material, enhancing light distribution and reducing undesirable shadows.

Implementation Method 1

The vertical track and the heat sink can be adjusted relative to each other with a ball bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS20240353086A1Adjustable Downlight

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 ELITE LIGHTING

AI summary

Provided is a downlight comprising: an optics housing configured to receive a source of light; a support for holding the optics housing in position; a vertical track configured for the support to move along in a vertical direction; an angled track attached to the vertical track and configured to move the support from a horizontal orientation to an angled orientation; and a frame with an aperture positioned below the support; wherein position of the optics housing is configured to change relative to the aperture in a vertical direction and a vertical axis.