Flat Panel Lighting Mounting Frame for Secure Access Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED flat panel lighting fixtures cannot be securely mounted to a mounting surface using traditional methods, as the lens is typically secured to the fixture, preventing the use of fasteners passing through the back.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a frame portion with tabs that insert into slots on the lighting fixture, allowing for secure attachment to a mounting surface while maintaining access to a junction box, and optionally using a mounting harness for additional support and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used to secure the lighting fixture to the mounting surface, then the mounting strength is improved, but the lens cannot be secured properly because it is already attached to the fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting frame that attaches to the mounting surface, and a lighting fixture that attaches to the mounting frame. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between mounting strength and lens security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame acts as an intermediary component between the mounting surface and the lighting fixture. It provides the fastening interface that secures the fixture without requiring direct attachment through the lens, thus maintaining both mounting strength and lens integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lighting fixture is securely mounted to the mounting surface, then the mounting stability is improved, but the junction box becomes inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is designed with a central opening that segments the frame structure to provide access to the junction box. This allows the mounting frame to maintain stability while enabling electrical connections to be made safely and efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire mounting structure accessible from the front, the design inverts the access approach by providing a dedicated opening through the mounting frame itself, allowing junction box access while maintaining overall mounting stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mounting frame with tabs is used to attach to slots on the fixture, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs and slots are designed to work together in a self-aligning, self-securing mechanism. The tabs insert into the slots and automatically engage, providing easy installation without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, thus improving ease of installation while keeping the system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments provide lighting fixture mounting kits for mounting a flat panel lighting fixture to a mounting surface. The lighting fixture mounting kits may comprise a mounting portion (e.g., a mounting plate) and a lighting fixture. The mounting portion may be secured relative to a mounting surface and may comprise mounting catches. The lighting fixture may be secured relative to the mounting portion, and may comprise fixture catches configured to selectably engage the mounting catches. The lighting fixture may be slidable relative to the mounting portion between an engaged configuration in which the fixture catches are engaged with the mounting catches; and a disengaged configuration in which the fixture catches are disengaged from the mounting catches. When in the disengaged configuration, the lighting fixture is pivotable away from the mounting portion to facilitate access to a back portion of the lighting fixture.