Horticulture Light Fixture Hinged Glass Retention Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horticulture light fixtures lack user-friendly maintenance features, particularly in cleaning the glass portion and replacing the grow lamp, which is often cumbersome and expensive due to traditional hinging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A horticulture light fixture with a hinged glass retention frame constructed from sheet metal, allowing for easy access and maintenance by swinging open, utilizing a continuous sheet metal hinge mechanism that reduces manufacturing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinging techniques are used for the glass retention frame, then the hinge mechanism provides secure closure, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge mechanism and glass retention frame into a single integrated sheet metal component. The hinge portion and retention frame portion are formed from the same continuous sheet metal through stamping and bending operations, eliminating the need for separate hinge components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure closure functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet metal component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the retention frame structure to hold the glass aperture, incorporates the hinge mechanism for swingable movement, and includes sealing surfaces for secure closure. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts and manufacturing operations required
2Reliability
If traditional hinging techniques are used for the glass retention frame, then the hinge mechanism provides secure closure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge mechanism and glass retention frame into a single integrated sheet metal component. The hinge portion and retention frame portion are formed from the same continuous sheet metal through stamping and bending operations, eliminating the need for separate hinge components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure closure functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet metal component is self-forming through stamping and bending operations that create the hinge articulation and retention frame structure in a single manufacturing process. The component serves its own structural and hinging functions without requiring additional fasteners, seals, or adjustment mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If the glass retention frame is made from continuous sheet metal, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the hinge mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous sheet metal is segmented into functional zones during the stamping process: a hinge portion with fold lines for articulation, a retention frame portion with glass-opening engagement features, and a seal portion. These segments are created through precise bending and forming operations that maintain material continuity while establishing distinct functional regions
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process changes the physical parameters of the continuous sheet metal through controlled bending, forming, and stamping operations. The material transitions from a flat blank to a three-dimensional structure with specific geometric parameters including hinge fold angles, retention frame dimensions, and seal contact surfaces, all achieved through parameter-controlled forming operations
Data Source
AI summary
A horticulture light fixture having a secure glass aperture and glass retention frame that is swingably hinged to provide easy and safe maintenance of the fixture and helps facilitate cleaning of the glass. The hinge portion is constructed from sheet metal that is formed during the fabrication of the fixture. The method of construction eliminates the need to install a separate hinge saving manufacturing time and expense. In a preferred embodiment, the glass retention frame is constructed from a single continuous sheet of metal, that is punched or cut into desired dimension and shape, formed or folded to hold a flat piece of glass, and installed using common pins that provide rotational motion for swingably opening and closing of the glass simplifying maintenance of the horticulture light fixture.