Adjustable Mounting Ring for Retrofitting Recessed Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting recessed lighting fixtures is challenging due to the difficulty in accessing and replacing components like ballasts and electrical boxes without removing the ceiling or support structure, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit lighting assembly with an adjustable mounting system that allows the electrical box and ballast to be positioned through existing openings in the ceiling or wall, enabling attachment to the plaster frame or ceiling structure without removing it, and featuring a mounting ring and adjustable bracket for vertical, lateral, and pivotable adjustments to avoid obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the ceiling or support structure is removed to access and replace ballast and electrical box components, then component replacement becomes possible, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate modular components including a mounting ring that attaches to the ceiling structure, and separate ballast and electrical box components that can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows component replacement without removing the entire ceiling or support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting ring serves as an intermediary component that attaches to the ceiling or support structure and provides access points for electrical components. This intermediary structure enables component replacement through existing openings without requiring removal of the main ceiling structure.
2Ease of repair
If the ceiling or support structure is removed to access components, then component replacement becomes possible, but overall project cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be positioned and repositioned within existing openings. The electrical box and ballast mounting positions are adjustable along the mounting ring, allowing adaptation to different spatial constraints without structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring serves multiple functions: it attaches to the ceiling structure, provides mounting surfaces for electrical components, and enables access through existing openings. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate structural modifications for each component installation.
3Device complexity
If fixed position mounting is used for electrical box and ballast, then installation is simpler, but adaptability to different ceiling spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the electrical box and ballast to be moved to different locations along the mounting ring. This dynamic positioning capability enables adaptation to various ceiling cavity dimensions and obstructions while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofit luminaire assembly is provided for retrofitting a mounting frame such as a plaster frame or other recessed lighting assembly without the need to remove the existing plaster frame. The retrofit assembly includes a mounting ring that can support a replacement electrical junction box and the replacement luminaire. The electrical junction box is attached to an adjustable assembly so that the electrical box can be positioned in a number of locations on the mounting ring. The assembly allows adjustment of the electrical box in a vertical direction, horizontal direction and in a rotational direction with respect to the plane of the plaster frame. The mounting ring is inserted through the opening in the plaster frame and secured to the plaster frame by an attachment member that engages the top face of the plaster frame. The attachment member can include a plate coupled to the mounting ring to form two outwardly extending arms. The plate is axially adjustable with respect to the mounting ring to clamp the plaster frame between the plate and the bottom flange of the mounting ring. In another embodiment, the attachment member has a hook-like end that engages a bottom surface of the mounting frame.