Adjustable Light Fixture Mounting Plate for Variable Hole Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures are often restricted by holes of varying sizes in sheet material and junction boxes of different diameters, making it difficult to replace fixtures without carpentry or electrical work, and limiting the type of replacement fixtures that can be used.
Innovation Solution
A mounting plate assembly with adjustable spring clamps that can be secured without tools, allowing for mounting in holes of varying sizes and connection to junction boxes of different diameters, enabling easy replacement and relocation of light fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing light fixtures are removed from holes of varying sizes in sheet material, then the old fixtures can be replaced, but the holes remain and restrict the type of replacement fixture that can be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with a universal aperture that can accommodate multiple hole sizes (2-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch recessed can holes and various junction box sizes). The spring clamp mechanism can be adjusted to different positions to fit different aperture sizes, allowing a single mounting plate to replace multiple specialized mounting solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clamp is designed to be adjustable and repositionable along the mounting plate. Users can displace the spring clamp to different positions depending on the existing hole diameter, and the spring mechanism provides automatic tension adjustment to secure the mounting plate in various configurations without requiring carpentry modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring clamps are made adjustable to fit different hole sizes, then versatility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp mechanism is segmented into discrete components: a clamp body, a spring element, and positioning features. The clamp can be displaced along the mounting plate and secured at different positions, with each position corresponding to a specific hole size accommodation. This segmentation allows for simple adjustment without complex mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If tool-free adjustment is implemented for spring clamps, then ease of operation is improved, but securing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clamp mechanism is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. When the mounting plate is inserted into the hole, the spring automatically tensions and secures the clamp in position without requiring tools. The spring force provides sufficient holding power to maintain a reliable connection while allowing easy manual adjustment.
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
The solution allows for flexible and tool-free mounting of light fixtures in existing holes and junction boxes, reducing installation costs and complexities, and enabling the use of various light fixture types without requiring specialized labor.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable spring clamps which permits the mounting of a light fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plate assembly has a mounting plate for mounting a light fixture in holes of different diameters and wherein a guide rail assembly is secured to a rear face of the mounting plate on opposed sides of an aperture. Each guide rail assembly has a novel displaceable spring clamp structure having to a displaceable base coupled for sliding displacement along a guide rail assembly. Spring biasing elements are provided between the displaceable base and the guide rail assembly to urge a bottom face of the displaceable base against a flat top surface of a mounting base to which the guide rails are secured. A retention formation is provided in the bottom surface of the displaceable base for retention coupling with a selected on of space-apart engageable retainers immovably secured to the flat top surface of the mounting base and aligned with the retention formation to arrest the displaceable base at a desired location to position the spring clamp structures at a desired location with respect to the size of a hole formed in the sheet material and to which a light fixture is to be secured.