Adjustable Light Fixture Coupler with Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light fixture coupling interfaces lack flexibility to accommodate emerging trends in interior design, necessitating a more adaptable and versatile solution for assembling and mounting light fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system with interoperable male and female portions, featuring a channel pathway and locking latch mechanism, allows for adjustable and secure engagement of light fixture housing sections, enabling flexible assembly and mounting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling interfaces are used, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility and adaptability for interior design trends are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is divided into separate male and female portions that can be independently designed and assembled. The male portion includes a projection with latch features, while the female portion includes a recess with corresponding latch features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while providing flexible assembly configurations for various interior design applications.
2Reliability
If a locking latch mechanism is added, then the joint security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking latch mechanism is integrated directly into the male and female portions of the coupler, merging the coupling and locking functions into a single unified structure. The latch features are formed as part of the projection and recess geometries, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure joint connection.
3Strength
If the coupler is designed for secure engagement, then the joint strength is improved, but the ease of assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The male projection and female recess are pre-configured with complementary geometries and latch features that automatically align during assembly. The projection fits into the recess with built-in guidance features, and the latch mechanisms are positioned to engage automatically as the components are brought together, enabling secure engagement without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for joining together at least a pair of light fixture segments at a joint interface therebetween to form a light fixture assembly, comprises at least a pair of complementary coupling units, each coupling unit configured to be located in an operative position in one of said light fixture segments to join the other coupling unit at the joint interface defined by complementary abutment surfaces on said light fixture segments, at least one of the complementary coupling units being configured to be adjustably located in the operative position to displace another of the coupling units along a designated travel path toward a limit position, wherein the joining of the light fixture segments at the joint interface occurs in advance of the other coupling unit reaching the limit position.