Integrated Fixture Support with Displacement Sealing for Airtight Light Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing spotlights in building structures are costly, time-consuming, and often require coordination between multiple professions, with uncertain sealing quality and potential removal of insulation material, while also not ensuring a proper airtight seal to meet energy efficiency regulations.

Innovation Solution

A fixture support system with a housing and sealing arrangement that includes displacement means to ensure a tight seal upon installation, allowing the electrician to install the light source without additional support, reducing installation time and costs, and minimizing insulation removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sealing methods (taping vapour barrier, foam ring, or mounting box) are used, then sealing can be achieved, but installation time increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sealing arrangement with the fixture support housing into a single integrated unit. The sealing arrangement is directly attached to the housing and forms a unified structure that seals the hole through which the fixture support is inserted, eliminating the need for separate sealing steps and reducing installation time while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing arrangement is pre-configured and pre-attached to the housing before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that sealing is automatically performed as part of the fixture support installation process itself, without requiring additional time-consuming sealing operations after the fixture is in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional sealing methods are used, then sealing can be achieved, but additional material cost is incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing arrangement is integrated with the housing structure, forming a single component rather than requiring separate sealing materials. This reduces material costs by eliminating the need for additional tape, foam rings, or box structures that would otherwise be required for sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the light source and simultaneously provides sealing through the integrated sealing arrangement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing overall material requirements and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a box is mounted on one side of the building structure to achieve sealing, then sealing can be obtained, but insulation material must be removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidinsulation material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the sealing function from the box structure and integrates it directly into the fixture support housing. This eliminates the need for a separate box that would require removal of insulation material, as the sealing is achieved through the fixture support itself without requiring additional structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional spotlight installation methods are used, then spotlights can be installed, but coordination between multiple professions is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sealing, structural support, and electrical connection functions into a single integrated fixture support unit. This integration allows a single electrician to perform all installation tasks without requiring coordination with sealers or other specialists, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3889494A1A fixture support for installation of a built-in light source emitting or illuminating visible light
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 ERIK EBBE HLDG APS
  • EP3889494A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3889494A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3889494A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a fixture support for installation of a built-in light source emitting or illuminating visible light, such as a spotlight, arranged to be fitted in a hole in a building structure such as a ceiling, a wall, or similar, wherein the fixture support comprises: at least one terminal, a housing, a sealing arrangement enclosing the outer surface of the housing, and one or more displacement means. The disclosure further relates to a method for installation of a fixture support for installing a light source in a building structure and a use of the fixture support.