Ceiling Light Assembly Tool-Free Rotation and Tilt Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light engines recessed in ceilings are typically fixed in position, preventing adjustment of light directionality and distribution without the use of tools.

Innovation Solution

A light assembly with a mounting frame and rotating and tilting mechanisms, allowing the light engine to be adjusted without tools, utilizing a mounting ring with gear teeth, a rotation ring, and a tilt mechanism with a knob and slide system for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the light engine is locked in position within the ceiling opening, then the fixture is stable and secure, but the light directionality and distribution cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight directionality adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light engine is mounted on a rotation ring that can rotate relative to the mounting frame, and a tilt mechanism that allows tilting. These dynamic components enable the light engine to change its orientation and directionality after installation, resolving the contradiction between stability and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation and tilt mechanisms are designed to be adjusted without requiring tools. The user can directly manipulate the rotation ring and tilt mechanism to achieve the desired light direction, making the system self-sufficient for adjustment purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If the light engine is made heavy to improve structural stability, then the fixture is more secure in position, but it becomes difficult to rotate and tilt manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixture stabilityVSAvoidmanual rotation and tilting

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Counterbalancing springs are incorporated into the tilt mechanism to offset the weight of the light engine. This allows the heavy light engine to be easily tilted and rotated manually while maintaining structural stability when in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of operation

If a tool-free adjustment mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free adjustmentVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A rotation knob serves as an intermediary component that engages with the rotation ring, allowing users to rotate the light engine without tools. Similarly, the tilt mechanism uses a knob and slide system as intermediaries to enable tool-free tilting, balancing ease of operation with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9004728B2Light assembly

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 ABL IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

A light assembly that includes a mounting frame on which a light engine is mounted so as to direct light through the mounting frame opening and out of an opening in the ceiling. The light assembly is designed to permit the light engine to be rotated and tilted, in some embodiments without the need for tools.