Electrical Fixture Union Plate and Canopy Mating System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional method of installing electrical fixtures is cumbersome and often requires assistance, as users struggle with connecting wires and attaching fixtures to structural supports, leading to inefficiencies and the need for professional electricians, especially in commercial settings where frequent updates are necessary.

Innovation Solution

A simplified electrical fixture union system comprising a plate element wired to a power source and a canopy that mates structurally and electrically with the plate, allowing users to attach fixtures without specialized tools, with the plate shielding electrical connections and providing structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wiring and attachment methods are used, then electrical fixtures can be securely connected to power sources, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy includes a first set of electrical contacts and the mounting plate includes a second set of electrical contacts that mate with the first set, creating separate but complementary connection elements that reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate is wired to a power source and mates with the canopy, which in turn connects to the fixture, creating an intermediate connection layer that simplifies the installation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If manual wire connection and mechanical attachment are performed separately, then secure fixture installation is achieved, but the process requires multiple people and specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixture attachment strengthVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy structurally and electrically mates with the mounting plate in a single operation, combining both electrical connection and mechanical attachment functions into one simplified step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If electrical sources are fixed in location, then power distribution is established, but flexibility to reconfigure fixtures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution reliabilityVSAvoidfixture reconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design allows fixtures to be easily removed and reinstalled at different locations by simply disconnecting and reconnecting the canopy to the mounting plate, providing flexibility without compromising connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9859671B2Canopy structurally and electrically mating with a plate for attaching an electrical fixture to an electrical source

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 MARTIN CLYDE

AI summary

Described herein is an apparatus for simplifying the connection of an electrical fixture to an electrical source. The system can include a plate element that attaches to an electrical source, such as a junction box. The plate element can mate with a canopy element that is attached to an electrical fixture, such as a light. The plate and canopy can structurally and electrically mate, allowing a user to easily connect various electrical fixtures using the plate and canopy system.