Friction Pivot Light Socket Mount for Uneven Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative festive light mounting systems are cumbersome, dangerous, and aesthetically unsatisfactory due to their lack of robustness, ease of use, and adjustability, often becoming detached and lost during installation or appearing irregularly mounted on uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus with an extension body and clamping assembly featuring arcuate surfaces that frictionally and pivotally contact each other, allowing for secure, adjustable, and reusable attachment of light socket assemblies to environmental items, using a snap-fit mechanism for easy connection and detent locking for consistent positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art clips, clamps, or mounting means are used to attach decorative festive lights, then the installation can be completed, but the mounting becomes cumbersome, time-consuming, and physically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamping assembly for attachment to environmental items, an extension body for positioning, and a light socket assembly interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall installation process quicker and easier compared to monolithic prior art mounting devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs self-adjusting frictional pivot joints between the extension body and clamping assembly, allowing the components to automatically position and secure themselves without requiring additional tools or complex adjustment mechanisms. The friction-based connection enables intuitive installation where the device serves itself to achieve proper mounting.
2Reliability
If prior art mounting devices are used, then attachment can be achieved, but they become easily detached during installation or de-installation and may be lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly, extension body, and light socket interface are merged into an integrated apparatus where each component reinforces the others. The frictional pivot connection merges the clamping and positioning functions into a single robust joint that resists detachment while maintaining ease of operation through its intuitive design.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional pivot joint utilizes arcuate surfaces with curved geometries that provide inherent mechanical stability. The curved contact surfaces between the extension body and clamping assembly create a self-centering effect that prevents accidental detachment while allowing controlled movement during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art mounting means are used, then lights can be mounted, but they do not provide significant or consistent adjustment of the mounting angle relative to the environmental item
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional pivot joint creates a dynamic connection between the extension body and clamping assembly that allows controlled movement and angle adjustment. The friction force provides just enough resistance to maintain selected positions while allowing intentional repositioning, enabling consistent adaptability across multiple mounting locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus enables change in the mounting angle parameter through the frictional pivot connection. Users can adjust the angular orientation of the light socket relative to the environmental item by manipulating the extension body, with the friction joint maintaining the selected angle without requiring additional locking mechanisms.
4Manufacturing precision
If prior art mounting devices are used on uneven surfaces, then installation can proceed, but the lights appear irregular and uneven from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional pivot joint adds an angular dimension to the mounting capability, allowing the light socket to be oriented at various angles relative to the environmental item. This dimensional freedom enables compensation for surface irregularities, ensuring consistent light placement appearance even when mounted on uneven surfaces like tree branches or roof edges.
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
Enables quick, secure, and aesthetically pleasing mounting of decorative lights on various surfaces, reducing installation time and risk while maintaining adjustability and durability, ensuring a consistent and even appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The first arcuate surface and the second arcuate surface frictionally, pivotally contact each other with sufficient friction that the extension body and the clamping assembly are frictionally positionable
Implementation Method 2
The first arcuate surface and the second arcuate surface are pivotally movable relative to each other in response to intentional repositioning of the extension body and the clamping assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting apparatus for a light socket assembly comprises an extension body connectable with the light socket assembly. The extension body defines a first arcuate surface extending from the extension body. A clamping assembly has a second arcuate surface extending from the clamping assembly. The first arcuate surface and the second arcuate surface are each contoured to conform with and to pivotally contact each other, at least in part, with sufficient friction that the extension body and the clamping assembly are selectively positionable and pivotally movable relative to each other in response to intentional repositioning of the extension body and the clamping assembly relative to each other. The apparatus thus provides for mounting of a light socket assembly on a wide variety of environmental items, such as, for example, trees, eavestroughs and the like, and is particularly useful for mounting a string of wired festive lights, such as Christmas lights.