Hinged Remote Driver Box for Light Fixture Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional remote junction boxes are limited by size restrictions in installation spaces, making it difficult to install larger electronic enclosures in smaller and tighter areas like ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A hinged remote driver box with two compartments, one for the driver and one for wire connections, allows for pivoting to accommodate different orientations, enabling easier installation by adjusting the geometry to fit through smaller openings and deeper spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional single-housing remote junction box is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be installed in smaller and tighter spaces due to size restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosure sizeVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver box is divided into two separate compartments: a driver compartment and a wiring compartment. These compartments can be installed separately through the ceiling opening, with the driver compartment containing the electronic driver and the wiring compartment containing wire connections. This segmentation allows each compartment to be smaller and easier to install through limited openings while still accommodating the required components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver box utilizes the vertical depth dimension of the ceiling plenum by extending downward from the ceiling opening. The compartments are arranged to maximize use of available vertical space, allowing larger enclosures to be installed in small horizontal openings by exploiting the third dimension (depth) rather than requiring larger face openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If a larger electronic enclosure is used to accommodate driver and wiring compartments, then the compartments have sufficient space for components, but it becomes difficult to install through smaller ceiling openings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment capacityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The driver box is divided into two separate compartments: a driver compartment and a wiring compartment. These compartments can be installed separately through the ceiling opening, with the driver compartment containing the electronic driver and the wiring compartment containing wire connections. This segmentation allows each compartment to be smaller and easier to install through limited openings while still accommodating the required components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the driver and wire-splice compartments are in a single housing, then the structure is compact, but it limits the ability to accommodate larger electronic enclosures in tighter spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace adaptabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver box is divided into two separate compartments: a driver compartment and a wiring compartment. These compartments can be installed separately through the ceiling opening, with the driver compartment containing the electronic driver and the wiring compartment containing wire connections. This segmentation allows each compartment to be smaller and easier to install through limited openings while still accommodating the required components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver box incorporates a hinged connection between the driver compartment and wiring compartment, allowing the assembly to be flexible during installation. The hinge enables the compartments to be positioned at different angles and orientations to facilitate passage through ceiling openings of various sizes, and to adapt to different installation configurations in the ceiling plenum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11032893B2Hinged remote driver box for light fixture

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 ABL IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

A driver box for a light fixture includes a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment defines a first end of the driver box, and the second compartment defines a second end of the driver box opposite from the first end. The first compartment is pivotable relative to the second compartment. A method of installing a light fixture assembly includes pivoting the first compartment of the driver box relative to the second compartment of the driver box to a first orientation such that the driver box is insertable into an installation opening. The method includes inserting the driver box into the installation opening.