Curved Wing Light Mount for Flow Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual flow indicators and sight flow indicators require cumbersome and inflexible lighting solutions, often relying on integral or bolted light sources that are difficult to maintain and move, necessitating the need for a more versatile and easy-to-install illumination system.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting system comprising a housing with curved wings and a shield, allowing for secure attachment to visual flow indicators or sight flow indicators without additional fasteners, enabling easy relocation and maintenance of the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light source is bolted or screwed to the visual flow indicator using a fastener that passes through a light source mounting apparatus, then the light source can be securely fastened in place, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple screw holes or mounting areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener entirely from the mounting system. The light source mounting apparatus is designed to be held in place without any bolts, screws, or other fasteners, extracting the fastening function completely from the design. This eliminates the need for screw holes and complex mounting procedures while maintaining secure attachment through the curved wing configuration that wraps around the visual flow indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus is divided into a body portion and curved wing portions that can be independently positioned. The curved wings act as separate securing elements that wrap around the visual flow indicator, providing secure attachment without requiring fasteners to pass through the entire assembly. This segmentation allows the light source to be mounted securely while simplifying the overall installation process.
2Device complexity
If a light source is integrated into the visual flow indicator, then the light source is permanently fixed and requires no additional mounting hardware, but the light source cannot be moved to illuminate different areas and is difficult to maintain when the light source burns out
Solution Approach 1:
The light source mounting apparatus is designed to be dynamically repositionable rather than fixed. The clamp-style mounting allows the light source to be easily moved along the visual flow indicator to illuminate different areas as needed. The curved wings can be adjusted to accommodate different positions, providing both security and mobility, enabling maintenance and repositioning without permanent installation.
3Device complexity
If a simple flashlight is used to illuminate the visual flow indicator, then the setup is simple, but the illumination has variable intensity and introduces background light and visual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The light source mounting apparatus is designed to position the light source in optimal locations along the visual flow indicator. By providing multiple mounting positions and allowing flexible positioning, the system ensures that light is delivered precisely where needed with consistent intensity. The structured mounting enables proper alignment and spacing that prevents background light interference while maintaining uniform illumination quality throughout the visual flow indicator.
Data Source
AI summary
It is described herein an article of manufacture comprising a housing, with a wing shaped support attached to the housing's outer surface in a first direction, and a second wing attached to and extending from the housing outer surface in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first wing and the second wing may have a degree of curvature which can be formed by the respective wing that is greater than 12° for a one inch arc length. The housing may be capable of passing light in a visible wavelength from a cavity in the housing when a light source is disposed within said cavity.