Covering Device for Recessed Spotlights with Elastic Hinges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capping devices for recessed spotlights in ceilings are prone to tilting or moving, compromising their ability to provide optimal protection and ensuring safe separation from insulating materials, which can lead to overheating and fire risks.
Innovation Solution
A compact covering device with diametrically opposite branches featuring transverse slots for securing fixing springs, allowing for secure positioning and adaptation to various luminaire diameters, and incorporating elastic hinges for ease of handling and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing capping devices are used for recessed spotlights, then the devices can be installed in ceilings, but the capping devices tilt and move, compromising protection and safety separation from insulating materials
Solution Approach 1:
The capping device incorporates movable branches that can adapt their position dynamically. The branches are designed to move and adjust during installation to accommodate different luminaire positions and ceiling conditions, preventing tilting and movement while maintaining stable protection. This dynamic structure allows the device to self-adjust rather than relying on rigid fixed positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The capping device is divided into multiple independent branches rather than a single rigid structure. Each branch can move and position itself independently, allowing the overall device to maintain stability while accommodating variations in installation conditions. The segmented design prevents the tilting and movement issues that affect monolithic capping devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If capping devices are installed before insulating material, then installation sequence is flexible, but the devices tilt and move, no longer ensuring optimal protection
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic movable branches allow the capping device to maintain optimal protection regardless of when it is installed relative to the insulating material placement. The branches can adjust their position to ensure proper spacing and protection even when installed before the insulation is in place, eliminating the reliability issues that arise from early installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a compact covering device is used, then the device is easy to handle and manufacture, but it must adapt to various luminaire diameters and ceiling thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The movable branches are designed with simple hinge joints and elastic elements that allow automatic adaptation to different luminaire diameters and ceiling thicknesses. This dynamic mechanism achieves versatility without complex adjustable components, maintaining ease of manufacture while accommodating various installation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic hinges and spring elements allow the branch structure to change its geometric parameters automatically based on the luminaire size and ceiling thickness. The structure adapts its shape and dimensions through elastic deformation rather than mechanical adjustment, keeping the device simple to manufacture while highly adaptable.
4Reliability
If transverse slots are provided in branches to receive springs, then the covering device is secured to the spotlight, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse slots are integrated directly into the branch structure during molding, combining the mounting feature with the structural element. The springs are received within the existing branch geometry rather than requiring separate mounting mechanisms, achieving reliable mounting without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse slots serve multiple functions: they receive the springs for secure mounting, provide structural reinforcement to the branches, and allow for adjustment during installation. This multi-functionality achieves reliable mounting while minimizing the need for additional separate components that would increase complexity.
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
Ensures reliable protection and safe installation of recessed luminaires by preventing contact with insulating materials, facilitating easy and secure mounting, and accommodating different diameters and ceiling thicknesses while maintaining a sealed enclosure.
Implementation Method 1
each branch is articulated with respect to the central upper part by an elastic transverse hinge tending to separate the branches from each other
Implementation Method 2
at least one transverse slot provided to receive a spring from a spotlight and make the covering device integral with the spotlight
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A covering device according to the invention comprises a central upper part (2) and branches (4) extending from the central upper part (2). At least two branches (4) are arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the central upper part (2) and have at their end opposite the central upper part (2) at least one transverse opening (12).