Downlight Rotation Structure for Easy Ceiling Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fluorescent lamps have limitations such as short lifespan, fragility, high replacement costs, limited color options, electromagnetic interference, and environmental hazards, as well as inconsistency in lighting colors, which are not suitable for extreme temperatures and can be harmful to individuals with certain medical conditions.

Innovation Solution

A downlight apparatus featuring a light source module with multiple LED modules, a cup housing, and a rotation structure that adjusts diameters for easy installation and includes a safety switch to prevent electrical shock, with elastic units and metal components for stability and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If fluorescent lamps are used for interior lighting, then lighting function is provided, but lifespan is short and durability is low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelifespanVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional fluorescent lamp with a disposable LED module design. The LED module is intended to be replaced rather than repaired when it fails, leveraging the long lifespan and high reliability of LED technology while simplifying the overall system maintenance approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental lighting parameter from fluorescent to LED technology, which fundamentally alters the lifespan and durability characteristics. LED modules provide significantly longer operational life and higher reliability compared to fluorescent lamps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If fluorescent lamps are used, then lighting is provided, but electromagnetic interference occurs which may be harmful to other electronic equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidlighting function
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic ballast system of fluorescent lamps with a simple LED driver circuit. LEDs are solid-state devices that do not require electromagnetic ballasts, thereby eliminating the electromagnetic interference problem while maintaining lighting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If fluorescent lamps are used, then lighting function is provided, but replacement costs are high and installation is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidreplacement cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting system into a modular LED module that can be easily installed and replaced. The module includes the LED array, heat sink, and necessary electronics as an integrated unit, simplifying both installation and replacement procedures while reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The LED module is designed to nest within the existing downlight housing structure. The module can be inserted through the ceiling opening and secured in place, allowing for easy replacement without complex disassembly of the surrounding structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed diameter cup housing is used, then structural stability is provided, but installation through standard ceiling holes is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic expansion mechanism to the cup housing. The housing starts with a collapsed or compact configuration that allows it to pass through the ceiling opening, then expands to its full stable diameter once positioned, providing both installation ease and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cup housing utilizes an expansion mechanism (potentially thermal, mechanical, or elastic) that allows the housing to change diameter. The housing expands from a small installation diameter through the ceiling hole to a larger stable diameter for final installation, resolving the contradiction between installability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

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

The solution provides a durable, energy-efficient, and safe lighting solution with easy installation and detachment, addressing the limitations of fluorescent lamps while ensuring user safety and environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescence.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the elastic units are disposed in the cup housing and are engaged by the rotation structure. The elastic units provide elastic force to push the rotation structure from the first exterior diameter to the second exterior diameter.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11378264B2Downlight apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.07.05 XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO LTD
  • US11378264B2 patent drawing
  • US11378264B2 patent drawing
  • US11378264B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A downlight apparatus includes a light source module, a cup housing, and a rotation structure. The cup housing has a surface rim and cup body. The surface rim defines a light opening. The surface rim covers an installation hole of an installation cavity. The multiple LED modules are disposed in the container space for emitting light out of the downlight apparatus from the light opening. The rotation structure selectively defines a first exterior diameter and a second exterior diameter. The first exterior diameter being larger than the second exterior diameter and an installation diameter of the installation hole. The second exterior diameter is smaller than the installation diameter.