Hanging Device with Adjustable Friction Ratchet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting suspension and height adjustment devices lack flexibility and ease of use, particularly in applications requiring adjustable light exposure, such as indoor plant cultivation, where manual adjustment of light source distance is cumbersome and lacks external means to adjust friction lock in ratchet mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hanging and height adjusting device with a spool mechanism featuring a torsion band spring, ratchet system, and adjustable friction via a wing nut, allowing for easy manual adjustment of light source distance and supporting varying loads with a robust and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ratchet mechanism with push button is used for height adjustment, then the lamp height can be adjusted manually, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring strong pressure to separate meshing parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter of the ratchet teeth by introducing an adjustable friction element (such as a friction disc or adjustable pressure mechanism) that can modify the normal force between meshing teeth. This allows the ratchet to engage easily under normal conditions but can be disengaged with a simple push button action when friction is reduced, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock at the desired position without requiring continuous manual intervention. The adjustable friction element maintains optimal engagement force automatically, and the push button simply releases the friction lock rather than requiring manual separation of complex meshing parts, making the system self-servicing during normal operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device is designed as an intermediate integral part between cable box and lamp, then structural integration is achieved, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the height adjustment device with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that can accommodate different cable box configurations and lamp types. The adjustable friction ratchet mechanism and spool system can be configured for various load requirements, making the same device structure adaptable to residential, commercial, and industrial applications while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular functional components: the spool mechanism, the ratchet assembly, the friction adjustment element, and the mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows the integrated device to be adapted to different applications by configuring specific modules without redesigning the entire structure, thus maintaining both structural integration and versatility.
3Shape
If a conical spool is used for cable winding, then cable turns are orderly arranged without overlapping, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fixed conical spool shape that is difficult to manufacture, the patent employs a cylindrical spool with a dynamic friction-adjustable ratchet mechanism. The friction adjustment dynamically controls the cable winding tension and arrangement, achieving orderly cable placement without requiring complex conical geometry, thus simplifying manufacturing while maintaining cable organization.
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 device provides high operative reliability, ease of use, and versatility in configuring for different loads and shapes, enabling flexible and efficient adjustment of light sources in various applications, including household and technical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first flanged end housing a torsion band spring
Implementation Method 2
a second opposite flanged end provided with a ratchet member unidirectionally engaging said spool
Implementation Method 3
The regulation of the cable extension can be made by a friction mechanism operatively connected to the spool
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A hanging and height adjusting device (10) particularly adapted for lighting applications, comprising a case (12, 14) provided with a hook for supporting a lamp or other article, said case housing a ratchet mechanism for winding a cable (50) or cord to be fixed to an upper or raised surface relative to the lamp, such as a ceiling, a beam or the like. Lock of the winding mechanism is easily effected by tightening a nut (15) outside the case.