Flat Panel Lighting Mount With Sliding Catch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED flat panel lighting fixtures cannot be mounted using traditional methods due to their design, where the lens is secured to the fixture, making it difficult to secure them to a mounting surface through a fastener 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, and a lighting fixture with support rails and slots that receive the tabs, reducing the gap between the fixture and the surface as the tabs are inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods with fasteners passing through the back are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the lens cannot be secured and the fixture cannot be mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting frame with tabs and a fixture frame with slots. The tabs insert into the slots to create a segmented but connected structure, allowing the fixture to be mounted without passing fasteners through the back while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs and slots act as intermediary elements between the mounting surface and the fixture. Instead of directly fastening through the back, the tabs insert into the slots to mediate the connection, enabling secure mounting while preserving the integrity of the lens and fixture structure.
2Strength
If the lens is secured to the fixture, then structural integrity is maintained, but traditional fastening methods cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism transitions from a traditional linear fastening approach (through the back) to a dimensional insertion approach where tabs slide into slots along a different path. This dimensional change allows mounting without compromising the lens security while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If tabs are inserted into slots to secure the fixture, then mounting is achieved, but gap reduction requires precise shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The tab and tab recess are given specific geometric parameters (wedge shape, defined surfaces) that automatically control the gap reduction as the tab inserts into the recess. This parameter-based design simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving the desired gap reduction without requiring complex precision shaping.
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.