Solid-State Canopy Light Hinged Diffuser for Access and Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional canopy light fixtures require time-consuming installation and maintenance due to the need for full removal and reattachment of the diffuser lens, which increases the risk of damage and lacks effective sealing mechanisms, leading to moisture ingress and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state canopy light fixture with a hinged diffuser lens assembly that allows for easy access to the interior without full lens removal, featuring a rotatably connected lens tray and effective sealing elements to prevent moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the diffuser lens is fully removed for installation or maintenance, then access to the interior for electrical connections is achieved, but installation time increases and risk of component damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to interior for electrical connectionsVSAvoidInstallation and maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lens assembly is segmented from the housing through a hinged connection, allowing the lens tray to be independently rotated open while the housing remains fixed. This segmentation enables access to the interior space without requiring complete disassembly of the fixture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge member transforms the static lens-housing connection into a dynamic, rotatable joint. The lens tray can be rotated between a closed position (for normal operation) and an open position (for access), providing dynamic control over interior accessibility without full removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the diffuser lens is fully removed for installation or maintenance, then access to the interior for electrical connections is achieved, but component damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to interior for electrical connectionsVSAvoidComponent damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lens assembly is segmented from the housing through a hinged connection, allowing the lens tray to be independently rotated open while the housing remains fixed. This segmentation enables access to the interior space without requiring complete disassembly of the fixture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge member transforms the static lens-housing connection into a dynamic, rotatable joint. The lens tray can be rotated between a closed position (for normal operation) and an open position (for access), providing dynamic control over interior accessibility without full removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If standard removal and re-mounting of the diffuser lens is used, then electrical connections can be accessed, but the process becomes time consuming in large installations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to interior for electrical connectionsVSAvoidInstallation speed in large installations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens assembly is segmented from the housing through a hinged connection, allowing the lens tray to be independently rotated open while the housing remains fixed. This segmentation enables access to the interior space without requiring complete disassembly of the fixture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge member transforms the static lens-housing connection into a dynamic, rotatable joint. The lens tray can be rotated between a closed position (for normal operation) and an open position (for access), providing dynamic control over interior accessibility without full removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the diffuser lens is fully removed and re-mounted, then electrical connections are accessed, but sealing mechanisms are compromised leading to moisture ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to interior for electrical connectionsVSAvoidMoisture sealing and reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge member transforms the static lens-housing connection into a dynamic, rotatable joint. The lens tray can be rotated between a closed position (for normal operation) and an open position (for access), providing dynamic control over interior accessibility without full removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge member acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides controlled access to the interior space while maintaining the integrity of the sealing system. The seal engages with the hinge mechanism to prevent moisture ingress during both closed and open states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250257864A1Solid-state canopy light fixture with hinged diffuser lens
Publication Date: 2025.08.14 MAXLITE
  • US20250257864A1 patent drawing
  • US20250257864A1 patent drawing
  • US20250257864A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention is a solid-state canopy light fixture featuring a box-shaped housing with a base panel and four side panels that define an interior volume. The top opening allows access to this volume. A hinge member is on the first side panel, while a rib with a hole for a fastener is on the second side panel. The lens tray, with a base tray panel and a continuous side wall, includes a tray hinge member and a tray rib with a second hole. The tray hinge connects to the housing hinge, allowing the lens tray to rotate between two positions. A diffuser lens, secured within the side wall, and a board with solid-state lighting elements are included. A sealing element is adjacent to the lens edge. This design enables easy installation by eliminating the need to fully remove the diffuser lens.