Adjustable Lighting Optic System with Pivot Core and Guide Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable lighting fixtures face challenges in directing light cones without obstruction by ceiling openings, especially at large tilt angles, and require a compact design for easy installation in various ceiling thicknesses and applications.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lighting assembly with a pivot core and collar spring mount system that maintains the light cone's center alignment with ceiling openings through horizontal sliding motion, using guide slots and spring brackets to minimize light obstruction and facilitate easy installation, allowing for tilt and rotational adjustments without additional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the light source is tilted to direct light to a desired location, then the direction of the light cone is adjustable, but a portion of the light cone is blocked by the ceiling opening, reducing total light output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second degree of freedom by allowing the optic to move not only in tilt angle but also in radial distance from the ceiling opening. This dimensional change enables the optic to maintain optimal positioning relative to the opening while adjusting light direction, preventing light blockage that would occur with tilt-only mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system where the optic can continuously adjust both its tilt angle and radial distance. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize light output at each tilt angle by maintaining the optic at the appropriate distance from the ceiling opening, rather than being fixed at a single position.
2Ease of operation
If the light source is tilted at large angles, then the light can be directed to distant locations, but the distance between the light source and ceiling opening changes, worsening light blockage
Solution Approach 1:
By adding radial distance adjustment as a second dimension of motion, the patent enables the optic to compensate for position changes caused by large tilt angles. The optic can move closer to or farther from the ceiling opening to maintain optimal alignment, preventing the worsening of light blockage that occurs with large-angle tilting in fixed-position systems.
3Ease of operation
If the fixture is designed with adjustable components, then the lighting direction can be customized, but the footprint of the fixture increases, making installation through existing openings difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact nested structure where the adjustable optic mechanism is integrated within a confined space. The optic, mounting structure, and adjustment components are arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes the overall footprint, enabling installation through existing ceiling openings while maintaining full adjustability functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the fixture is designed for various ceiling thicknesses, then the fixture is more versatile, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mounting system that can accommodate various ceiling thicknesses through a standardized interface. The mounting structure incorporates adjustable elements that adapt to different ceiling configurations without requiring multiple specialized components, thereby achieving versatility while controlling complexity through design standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly is disclosed. The lighting assembly including a number of separate and distinct features to improve useable, installation ease, etc. In one embodiment, the lighting assembly includes a heat sink, a light source, and an adjustment module portion coupled to the heat sink. The adjustment module portion includes a pivot core having a primary optic for directing light from the light source through the adjustment module. The adjustment module portion also includes a collar spring mount having first and second brackets for slidably engaging the pivot core along a plurality of guide slots such that the pivot core moves horizontally with respect to the collar spring mount as the pivot core is tilted with respect to the collar spring mount. The plurality of guide slots may include first, second and third guide slots, each of which has a different shape.