Flat Panel Lighting Mounting Frame for Secure Access
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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 security is worsened (the lens may be damaged or compromised)
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 the fasteners to secure the fixture to the frame without directly contacting or damaging the lens, resolving the contradiction between mounting strength and lens security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame acts as an intermediary between the mounting surface and the lighting fixture. Fasteners pass through the mounting frame rather than the fixture lens, providing secure mounting while protecting the lens from damage. The frame mediates the connection, eliminating the harmful direct fastening through the lens.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lighting fixture is securely fastened to the mounting surface, then the mounting stability is improved, but the accessibility to the junction box is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mounting function (performed by the mounting frame) from the lighting fixture, creating a gap between them. This segmentation allows the junction box on the fixture to remain accessible from the front while the fixture is securely mounted through the frame, resolving the contradiction between stability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting connection is established in the rear dimension through the mounting frame, while the junction box accessibility is maintained in the front dimension. This dimensional separation allows both mounting stability and electrical accessibility to be achieved simultaneously without interference.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mounting frame with tabs and slots is used to attach the fixture, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs on the mounting frame are designed to self-align with the slots on the lighting fixture through gravity and geometry during installation. The slots guide the tabs into proper alignment automatically, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of installation despite the added components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for secure mounting, guides alignment through the tab-and-slot mechanism, and creates the necessary spacing for junction box accessibility. This multi-functionality justifies the additional complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single integrated component.
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.