Foldable Bulb Holder with Hinge for Universal Socket Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bulb holders are inflexible and often require multiple types for different socket diameters, leading to difficulties in positioning and orienting bulbs consistently, especially in decorative light strings, which can result in bulbs tilting or sagging due to wire tension.

Innovation Solution

A holder design featuring a supporting post, base with latch, flexible portion, and hinge that pivots to secure bulbs in a specified orientation, accommodating various socket diameters and allowing easy installation and reorientation without tools, while maintaining bulbs upright and organized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bulb holders are used for different socket diameters, then multiple types of holders are required, but this increases device complexity and installation difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different socket diametersVSAvoidnumber of different holder types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple socket diameters through a single clamp mechanism. The clamp can be adjusted to secure bulbs of various sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holders and simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates a flexible or adjustable clamp that can dynamically adapt its shape or position to fit different socket diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same holder structure to serve multiple functions across different bulb sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If bulbs are strung together in decorative light strings, then power outlets can be shared and spacing is predefined, but bulbs become difficult to position and orient consistently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of power distribution and spacingVSAvoidease of positioning and orienting bulbs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is pre-designed with an integrated clamp and orientation features that automatically position the bulb in the correct orientation during installation. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for manual adjustment after installation, making it easy to position bulbs consistently along the string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The holder structure includes self-aligning features that automatically orient the bulb correctly as it is being installed, without requiring additional tools or manual intervention. The clamp mechanism itself provides the orientation function, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional holders are used, then bulbs can be installed quickly, but bulbs may tilt or sag under wire tension requiring re-orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of installationVSAvoidstability of bulb orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder incorporates a pre-designed clamp mechanism that anticipates and counteracts the forces of wire tension and bulb weight. The clamp is engineered to apply sufficient holding force to prevent tilting or sagging, ensuring stable orientation from the moment of installation without requiring subsequent adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Adaptability or versatility

If holders are designed to be reusable and adaptable, then flexibility of installation is improved, but packaging space efficiency may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of installationVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed as a compact, modular structure that can be folded or collapsed into a space-efficient configuration for packaging. The segmented design allows the holder to be flattened or compressed without compromising its functionality, enabling easy storage and transport while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 holder allows for consistent orientation of bulbs across a light string, reducing installation complexity and visual clutter, while being reusable across different bulb diameters and easy to uninstall, thus enhancing the aesthetic and practicality of decorative lighting.

Implementation Method 1

a first hinge positioned between the base and the flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured to pivot at the first hinge between (i) a first position where the flexible portion and the base are coplanar and (ii) a second position where the flexible portion and the base are not coplanar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11118767B1Foldable holder

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 ULTA LIT TREE CO

AI summary

A holder for setting a bulb in a specified orientation is provided. The holder includes a supporting post, a base including a latch for receiving the supporting post, a flexible portion, a fastener attached to the flexible portion, and a first hinge positioned between the base and the flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured to pivot at the first hinge between (i) a first position where the flexible portion and the base are coplanar and (ii) a second position where the flexible portion and the base are not coplanar and the supporting post is received in the latch.