Deformable Spacer Arms for Stable Recessed Light Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacers for electrical devices lack flexibility and stability when used with different sizes of electrical loads and installation openings, leading to potential heat buildup and impaired functionality.
Innovation Solution
A spacer with deformable joints and adjustable arms that can be elastically deformed for insertion through an installation opening, featuring adjustable length and support feet for stable positioning without fixing to the opening, allowing adaptation to various sizes and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the spacer uses fixed rigid arms, then it provides structural stability, but it cannot adapt to different sizes of electrical loads and installation openings
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer arms are designed with deformable joint areas that allow dynamic adjustment of arm positions and lengths. The arms can be elastically deformed during insertion and then assume stable positions once installed, providing both adaptability during installation and stability during operation. This dynamic capability enables the same spacer to accommodate different electrical load sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the spacer arms are made long to reach through thick panels, then installation flexibility is improved, but the spacer lacks inherent stability and requires fixing to the installation opening
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable joint areas enable the spacer to flex during insertion through thick panels, then lock into stable positions once installed. The arms can be deflected during insertion but naturally stabilize when positioned against the rear surface, eliminating the need for additional fixing mechanisms while maintaining both installation flexibility and operational stability.
3Device complexity
If the spacer is designed to be inherently stable without fixing, then installation simplicity is improved, but it cannot accommodate various sizes of electrical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable joint areas allow the spacer to naturally adjust to different electrical load sizes while maintaining inherent stability. The arms can be positioned at different angles and lengths by utilizing the deformable joints, enabling the same simple spacer design to accommodate various load configurations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or additional fixing.
4Manufacturing precision
If the spacer arms are rigid and fixed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the installation process becomes complex requiring fixation to the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer maintains precise manufacturing of arm dimensions and joint locations, but incorporates deformable joint areas that allow flexible positioning during installation. This combination enables high manufacturing precision while simplifying installation, as the deformable joints naturally guide the arms into correct positions without requiring complex fixation procedures.
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 and stable support for electrical devices of varying sizes, reducing heat buildup and facilitating easy installation by adapting to different electrical loads and installation constraints.
Implementation Method 1
In the deformed state, the at least one deformable joint area, as well as any other areas, are elastically deformed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a spacer (1) for arrangement between a cavity wall and insulation above an electrical device, in particular a recessed light, behind a mounting opening in the cavity wall. The spacer (1) comprises several arms (2) which are operatively connected to one another via at least one deformable joint area (3) at their respective rear ends (6) and enclose a receiving space (5) for the electrical device.