Eccentric Adjusting Element for Inclined Suspension Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Symmetrical lighting fixtures suspended by cables can become inclined due to slight inaccuracies in weight distribution, especially with asymmetrical accessories, leading to undesired tilting, and existing fastening devices require complex adjustments or reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable C-shaped or sleeve-like element is added to the cable suspension system, allowing for deflection of the cable to compensate for asymmetrical weight distribution by shifting the point of application away from the central axis, which can be adjusted and fixed to maintain balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple cable suspension is used for symmetrical lighting fixtures, then the installation is simple and the cable suspension is sufficient, but slight inaccuracies in weight distribution cause the fixture to become inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjusting element with an eccentric hole that is offset from the central axis of the suspension system. This asymmetric feature allows the point of suspension to be deliberately displaced from the center, creating a counterbalancing moment that compensates for asymmetric weight distribution in the lighting fixture, thereby preventing inclination while maintaining simple cable suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of the suspension geometry by allowing the adjusting element to be positioned at different locations along the cable, and by varying the offset distance of the eccentric hole from the central axis. This parameter adjustment capability allows optimization of the counterbalancing effect for different weight distributions without changing the overall simple cable suspension design.
2Reliability
If existing fastening devices are used to correct inclination, then the fixture can be repositioned, but complex adjustments or reinstallation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the suspension system into two functional parts: the simple cable suspension that provides hanging, and the separate adjusting element that provides inclination correction. The adjusting element is a discrete component with an eccentric hole that can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing inclination correction without affecting the overall suspension structure or requiring complex reinstallation procedures.
3Reliability
If the suspension point is shifted from the central axis, then asymmetrical weight distribution can be compensated, but the suspension element must be deflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that the cable will adopt a deflected configuration as a normal part of the balanced state. By intentionally designing the suspension system to allow cable deflection through the eccentric adjusting element, the system dynamically adapts the cable shape to achieve balance. The cable's deflection is not considered a defect but rather the natural result of the counterbalancing mechanism, and the adjusting element can be fixed in position to maintain this balanced configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 8~9
AI summary
The arrangement (1) has a fastening element, which is arranged on the object to be fastened. The end area of a suspension element is fixed on the fastening element. An adjusting element (10) is provided, which is supported on the fastening element and forms a guide to the deflection of the suspension element.