Adjustment Assembly for Recessed Lighting Ceiling Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current adjustable lighting fixtures for recessed ceilings face challenges in maintaining consistent illumination levels when accommodating varying ceiling thicknesses, as existing adjustment mechanisms can alter the distance between the ceiling and the lighting element, deviating from designer-intended light output models.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lighting device with a movable collar and U-shaped support assembly that allows for selective movement and locking configurations, ensuring the lighting element maintains a constant distance from the ceiling, thereby maintaining consistent illumination levels across different ceiling thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reflector or light directing structure is extended down into the ceiling opening to accommodate different ceiling thicknesses, then the fixture can fit flush with the ceiling surface, but the distance from the ceiling to the lighting element changes, adversely affecting lighting levels
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is divided into separate functional components: a fixed collar portion that interfaces with the ceiling opening, and an adjustable support assembly that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the collar to accommodate varying ceiling thicknesses while the support assembly maintains the lighting element at the correct distance from the ceiling surface, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and illumination consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
An adjustable support assembly acts as an intermediary between the ceiling opening and the lighting element. This intermediary component absorbs the variation in ceiling thickness through its adjustable mechanism, while maintaining a constant offset distance to the lighting element, thereby decoupling the adaptation function from the illumination function.
2Ease of operation
If the lighting element distance from the ceiling is adjusted to fit different ceiling thicknesses, then the fixture can be installed in various ceiling configurations, but the lighting output deviates from designer-intended models
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the installer to modify the position of the lighting element relative to the ceiling opening. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different ceiling thicknesses while maintaining the precise optic offset distance required for consistent lighting output, combining installation flexibility with manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism changes the positional parameter of the support assembly relative to the ceiling opening, while maintaining the critical offset parameter between the lighting element and the ceiling surface. This selective parameter adjustment allows flexibility in installation while preserving the precision required for accurate lighting performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture having an adjustable collar for accommodating different ceiling thicknesses is provided. The lighting fixture preferably includes a light module, a plaster frame, first and second support arms extending from the plaster frame, a U-shaped support assembly, an adjustment assembly for coupling the support assembly to the first and second support arms, and the collar. The adjustment assembly enabling the support assembly and the adjustable collar to be selectively movable along an axis perpendicular to the plaster frame. The adjustment assembly being configured so that, in a first configuration, the support assembly along with the light module and the collar are movable along the axis, and in a second configuration, the support assembly along with the light module and the collar are fixed to the first and second support arms so that a bottom end of the collar extends beyond a bottom surface of the plaster frame.