Electrical Fixture Quick Connect Mount with Integrated Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing electrical ceiling fixtures are time-consuming, physically demanding, and require disconnecting power to the electrical circuit, making them inefficient and unsafe.

Innovation Solution

A quick-connect system that combines structural support with a mounting mechanism and a coupling mechanism, allowing for a single-step installation and removal of electrical fixtures without disconnecting the power, using a mounting mechanism permanently connected to the building's structural and electrical systems and a coupling mechanism on the fixture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional installation methods are used, then permanent electrical connections are established, but installation time increases and physical burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent electrical connectionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the installation into two independent parts: a permanent mounting mechanism connected to building infrastructure, and a removable coupling mechanism on the fixture. This segmentation allows the permanent electrical connections to be established once in the mounting mechanism, while the coupling mechanism can be quickly attached and detached without repeating the wiring process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting mechanism is pre-installed with all permanent electrical connections and structural support before the fixture arrives. This preliminary action eliminates the need to make electrical connections during fixture installation, reducing installation time from 20-60 minutes to a simple mechanical coupling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional installation methods are used, then permanent electrical connections are established, but physical burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermanent electrical connectionVSAvoidphysical burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the heavy permanent mounting mechanism (left in place) from the fixture coupling mechanism, the installer never needs to support the full weight of the fixture while making electrical connections. The mounting mechanism remains fixed to the ceiling structure, bearing the load independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the building infrastructure and the fixture. It provides both structural support and electrical connections, allowing the fixture to be attached without the installer physically supporting its weight during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If mounting brackets with hooks are used, then physical burden is reduced, but installation time is not reduced and manual disconnection is still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical burdenVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges structural support and electrical connections into a single integrated mounting mechanism. Both functions are established simultaneously through one permanent installation, and both are released together when the coupling mechanism is detached, eliminating the need for separate manual disconnection steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Both structural support and electrical connections are pre-established in the mounting mechanism before the fixture is installed. This preliminary preparation allows the fixture to be quickly coupled without requiring sequential manual operations for support and wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If wall outlet design is used, then quick connection is achieved, but load-bearing capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidload-bearing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism combines the load-bearing structural support function with the electrical connection function in a single integrated component. The mounting mechanism is permanently secured to the ceiling structure to bear the fixture weight, while simultaneously providing electrical contacts for power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the fixture, establishes permanent electrical connections to the building power source, and enables quick connect/disconnect operations. This multi-functionality integrates the strength of ceiling mounting with the convenience of wall outlet design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11569624B2Electrical fixture quick connect mount

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 MAGTOWN LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for quick, safe, and easy installation of electrical fixtures in the building construction field, including connecting the fixture to a mounting mechanism for structural support and electrical service. A coupling mechanism is attached to or incorporated into the fixture. The coupling mechanism has built-in electrical leads that are designed to connect with the electrical leads on a fixture-facing interface of the mounting mechanism. Electrical leads on the coupling mechanism are connected via wire or other electrically conductive material to the electrical components in the fixture.