Adjustable Stair Rail Light with Sliding End Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stair rail lighting systems lack adjustability to fit varying dimensional requirements between stair rail posts, limiting their adaptability and effectiveness in providing uniform illumination.
Innovation Solution
A stair rail light with an elongated central housing and extrusion system that allows for adjustable length by sliding engagement with end plugs, featuring axially-running projections and grooves, and pivotally attached to stair rail posts for precise positioning and illumination direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length rail light is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to varying distances between stair rail posts
Solution Approach 1:
The rail light is divided into multiple segments: a central housing containing LED modules, and two adjustable end plugs that can slide along the housing. This segmentation allows the light fixture to be extended or reduced in length by adjusting the position of end plugs relative to the central housing, enabling adaptation to different stair rail spacings while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plugs are designed with sliding engagement along the central housing, allowing the length of the rail light to be dynamically adjusted in the field. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the fixture to adapt to varying installation requirements without requiring a completely different design for each spacing configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rail light length is made adjustable, then it can fit varying dimensional requirements, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fixture into a central housing and separate end plugs with sliding engagement, the manufacturing process is actually simplified compared to creating a single complex adjustable unit. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard processes, and the sliding mechanism relies on simple geometric features (projections and grooves) rather than complex machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism utilizes changes in geometric parameters (the position of end plugs along the housing) to achieve length adjustment. This approach avoids the need for complex variable-parameter manufacturing processes, as the components can be manufactured with fixed geometries that enable field adjustment through simple sliding motion.
3Manufacturing precision
If LED carrier members are retained by depending projections, then positioning precision is improved, but the extrusion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extrusion features localized depending projections at specific positions along its length, creating discrete retention points for LED carrier members. This local quality approach provides precise positioning at critical locations without requiring the entire extrusion structure to be complex. The projections are simple geometric features integrated into the extrusion profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The depending projections are integrated directly into the extrusion structure, merging the positioning function with the structural element. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate positioning components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise LED carrier member positioning through the geometric features of the extrusion itself.
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 installation to accommodate different stair rail spacings, providing directed and uniform illumination beneath the stairway, enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
LED light strips in the case of steps and stairs. Such strips have been provided at the edge or 'nose' of each stair such that the edge of each step is illuminated
Data Source
AI summary
A stair rail light attachable between first and second vertical stair rail posts and having an elongated central housing whose interior mounts an extrusion designed to hold and position a plurality of LED carrier members wherein the housing slidably engages respective mounting plugs pivotally attached to respective stair rail posts, thereby permitting the length of the rail light to be adjusted in the field.