Flexible Mount Interface for Light Fixture Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of linear flush mount light fixtures with corresponding studs in the ceiling is a tedious and time-consuming process, especially as the number of mounting points and studs increases, due to the complexity of aligning passages in the light fixture with studs in the ceiling array.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising anchor structures, elongate flexible structures, and clamp structures that form complementary arrays to align and securely attach the light fixture to the ceiling, allowing for adjustable positioning and alignment with the target locations on the light fixture, using cables, cable ties, or chains as flexible structures and releasable lock elements for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional threaded studs and rigid mounting structures are used, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the installation process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the mounting structure from rigid to flexible by using elongate flexible structures (cables, chains, or flexible rods) instead of rigid threaded studs. This flexibility allows the mounting structure to accommodate misalignments between ceiling anchor locations and light fixture target locations, eliminating the need for precise alignment while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through elongate flexible structures that can be positioned at various locations along their length. The clamp structures can be moved along these flexible structures to achieve the desired light fixture position, transforming a static rigid mounting system into a dynamic adjustable one that adapts to different ceiling conditions without requiring precise pre-alignment.
2Reliability
If multiple anchor structures and mounting points are used, then the light fixture can be securely mounted, but the alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into independent modular units: multiple anchor structures on the ceiling, multiple elongate flexible structures, and multiple clamp structures. Each unit operates independently, with the flexible structures serving as intermediaries that decouple the alignment requirements between anchors and fixtures. This segmentation allows each component to be installed separately without requiring complex coordinated alignment of all components simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate flexible structures serve as intermediary elements between the ceiling anchor structures and the light fixture clamp structures. These intermediaries absorb the alignment mismatches and coordinate the positions of anchors and fixtures, simplifying the overall mounting process by eliminating the need for direct precise alignment between ceiling studs and fixture passages.
3Strength
If rigid mounting structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to misaligned anchor locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the mounting structure by introducing flexible elements (cables, chains, or flexible rods) that can bend and adjust to accommodate misalignments. These flexible structures maintain sufficient tensile strength to securely support the light fixture while providing the adaptability to connect anchor locations that are not precisely aligned with the fixture's target locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for mounting a light fixture comprises a plurality of anchor structures attachable to a ceiling at designated locations thereon to form an anchor array to be patterned so as to be complementary with a target location array of a plurality of target locations on the light fixture. A plurality of elongate flexible structures is provided according to the anchor array, each configured to extend from a corresponding anchor structure so as to be orientable to align with a corresponding target location in the target location array when the target location array is unaligned with the anchor array. A plurality of retainers is provided according to the anchor array, each configured to be positionable at a distal location on the corresponding elongate flexible structure, thereby to suspend the light fixture below the ceiling. Each retainer being displaceable along the corresponding elongate flexible structure to collectively displace the light fixture toward engagement with the ceiling, wherein the retainer is positionable at a designated location on the elongate flexible structure, wherein an installed position of the light fixture is defined by a cumulative effect of a relative positioning of each anchor location and each corresponding target location.