Pivoting Light Holder for Fastener-Free Flow Indicator Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual flow indicators and sight flow indicators require cumbersome and invasive fastening systems for light sources, making it difficult to move or replace them without modifying the equipment, and existing solutions with integral light sources are inflexible and hard to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A holder for a light source comprising a first arm, a second arm, and a pivot member, where the arms are configured to pivot around a central axis and frictionally engage with the light source, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for additional fasteners, enabling the light source to be moved and positioned easily on visual flow indicators or sight flow indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light source is bolted or screwed to the visual flow indicator using fasteners that pass through mounting apparatus into the indicator, then the light source can be securely fastened and removed for repair or replacement, but the equipment requires modifications to include screw holes or mounting areas, and the fastening process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fasteners (bolts, screws) from the mounting system entirely. Instead of using traditional fastening mechanisms that require holes and threads, the invention uses a clamp-style holder that surrounds and grips the visual flow indicator body directly, eliminating the need for modifications to the indicator and simplifying both installation and removal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of passing fasteners through the mounting apparatus into the indicator (inward fastening), the patent inverts the approach by having the mounting apparatus clamp around the indicator from the outside. The holder encircles the indicator body and secures it through external compression rather than internal fastening, reversing the traditional mounting paradigm.
2Strength
If fasteners are used to mount the light source, then the light source can be securely attached, but additional bolts or screws must extend into holes requiring modifications to the visual flow indicator or sight flow indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fasteners (bolts, screws) from the mounting system entirely. Instead of using traditional fastening mechanisms that require holes and threads, the invention uses a clamp-style holder that surrounds and grips the visual flow indicator body directly, eliminating the need for modifications to the indicator and simplifying both installation and removal processes.
3Reliability
If an integral light source is manufactured into the visual flow indicator, then the light source is permanently secured, but it cannot be moved to illuminate different areas and is difficult to maintain when the light source burns out or experiences electrical problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system from the visual flow indicator by using a separate, removable mounting apparatus rather than integrating the light source permanently into the indicator. This allows the light source to be independently positioned, moved, or replaced without affecting the indicator itself, providing both security and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, permanent mounting of integral light sources into a dynamic, adjustable system. The mounting apparatus allows the light source to be positioned at different locations and orientations, and can be easily removed and repositioned, providing adaptability while maintaining secure attachment during use.
4Illumination intensity
If a simple flashlight is placed behind a transparent pipe, then illumination is provided, but variable intensity and background light introduction cause visual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized mounting apparatus as an intermediary between the light source and the visual flow indicator. This apparatus includes features such as light shields or baffles that prevent background light from entering the indicator and interfere with visualization, while also directing the light source's illumination optimally through the indicator medium.
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 solution allows for quick and easy mounting and repositioning of light sources on visual flow indicators or sight flow indicators without modifying the equipment, enhancing maintenance and flexibility in illuminating different areas, while maintaining the light source in close proximity to the indicator.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot member may be configured to frictionally engage with the light source
Data Source
AI summary
It is described herein various embodiments of a holder for a light source. In some embodiments, the holder comprises a first arm and a second arm with each arm attached to a pivot member (300) having a pivot member central axis. In other embodiments, the holder comprises a housing attached to a first planar surface of a mounting base with a first bracket attached to a second planar surface of the mounting base proximate with a mounting base first end and a second bracket attached to the second planar surface of the mounting base proximate with a mounting base second end which is opposite the mounting base first end.