Fixtureless LED Lamp Spring-Loaded Clip Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional LED lamps in aeroponic growing facilities are difficult to install and remove, requiring force that can damage the lamps and limiting spacing, leading to inefficiencies and downtime in operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of elongated LED lighting units with endcaps and a transparent housing that include alignment features and electrical connectors for easy installation and removal, allowing for close proximity placement without twisting or applying force, and providing a watertight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional LED lamps are installed using sockets and pins requiring manual engagement force, then the lamps can be securely mounted, but the installation and removal process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical socket-pin engagement system with a spring-loaded clip mechanism. The spring provides automatic engagement force when the lamp is inserted, eliminating the need for manual twisting or pulling forces. The clip mechanically latches onto the lamp body, providing secure mounting through a simple insert-and-lock motion rather than complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clip mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the lamp is inserted into the fixture. The spring force self-adjusts to secure the lamp without requiring the user to apply additional force or perform complex manipulation steps. Removal is equally simple, as the clip automatically releases when the lamp is pulled outward.
2Ease of operation
If sufficient space is kept between lamps to allow user access for installation, then lamps can be easily installed and removed, but the spacing between lamps is limited and growing space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex manual engagement mechanism from the lamp-fixture interface and replaces it with a simple spring-loaded clip system. This simplification reduces the clearance space needed around the lamp during installation and removal, allowing lamps to be positioned closer together while maintaining ease of access for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively manipulate the lamp with complex motions, the spring-loaded clip mechanism inverts the approach by having the fixture actively engage and secure the lamp through automatic spring force. This inversion reduces the manual dexterity and clearance space needed, enabling tighter lamp spacing.
3Strength
If force is applied to engage or disengage lamp pins from sockets, then lamps can be securely mounted, but strain is created on the housing and lamp damage can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the fragile pin-and-socket mechanical engagement system with a robust spring-loaded clip mechanism. The spring provides controlled engagement force that secures the lamp firmly without creating concentrated stress points. The clip distributes mounting forces across a larger area of the lamp body, preventing housing strain and lamp damage while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clip mechanism incorporates built-in spring cushioning that absorbs and distributes engagement forces. When the lamp is inserted, the spring compresses to provide gradual engagement force rather than sudden impact, protecting both the lamp and housing from stress. The spring also provides ongoing cushioning during thermal expansion and contraction cycles.
4Strength
If lamps are installed in fixed positions with traditional mounting methods, then secure mounting is achieved, but accessibility requirements increase and spacing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clip mechanism introduces dynamic adaptability to the mounting system. The spring force automatically adjusts to accommodate variations in lamp positioning and spacing requirements. This allows lamps to be installed at flexible intervals while maintaining secure mounting, as the spring mechanism adapts to different installation scenarios rather than requiring precise fixed-position alignment.
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 simplifies the installation and removal of LED lighting units, reduces stress on the joints, and enables customizable spacing, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime in aeroponic growing facilities.
Implementation Method 1
Solid state lighting devices/LED lamps may be located within the elongated transparent housing, thereby at least partially spanning the distance between the endcaps, the support brackets, and across the growth chamber. Solid state lighting devices may be positioned in close proximity to an elongated heat sink to facilitate heat transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides advantageous lighting systems that can be installed on parallel rows of horizontal supports. The lighting systems can be configured to have a single electrical feedthrough on one end of the lamp that can also act as a mating feature between the lamp and supports. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved lighting systems that are fixtureless, waterproof, customizable, and easy to install/remove.