Hinged Support Member for Airtight Downlight Hole Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downlight fixtures are difficult to install, complex, limited in application, and can cause leaks in ceilings due to piercing of airtight membranes during installation, leading to moisture and heat transport issues.
Innovation Solution
A support member with two semicircular rigid pieces connected by hinges, allowing for a first configuration to encircle a hole and a second configuration to pass through it, featuring a recess for a resilient element to ensure a tight seal and secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional support member with flange and unfolded tabs is used, then the fixture can be attached to the ceiling structure, but the installation process becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into two identical semicircular pieces that can be joined to form a complete circle. This segmentation allows the fixture to be passed through the hole in a compact state and then assembled into its final circular configuration on the other side of the ceiling, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The support member incorporates movable coupling parts that allow it to transition between two configurations: a compact second configuration for passing through the hole, and an expanded first configuration for encircling the hole and providing support. This dynamic transformation capability eliminates the need for complex unfolded tabs while maintaining attachment functionality
2Ease of operation
If the ceiling membrane is pierced during installation, then the downlight can be installed, but leaks and moisture problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flat bottom of the support member is designed to press the ceiling membrane against the upper side of the ceiling before final attachment. This preliminary sealing action prevents leaks and moisture infiltration by restoring the membrane's integrity at the installation location, eliminating the harmful effects of piercing while maintaining installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support member's flat bottom configuration provides a sealing surface that counteracts the harmful effect of membrane piercing by pressing the membrane material back into place, creating a seal that prevents moisture and air leakage before the fixture is fully installed
3Productivity
If a compact configuration is used to pass through the hole, then installation is simplified, but the support surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support member transitions from a compact second configuration during installation to an expanded first configuration for support. The movable coupling parts enable this transformation, ensuring that the full circular support surface area is achieved after installation while maintaining compactness during the installation process, thus resolving the contradiction between installation speed and support area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixture for fixation of a downlight in an hole in a ceiling or a wall. The fixture comprises an annular flange, having a centre axis, an inner side and an outer side, said annular flange being for abutment around the hole so that the annular flange lies substantially coaxially with the hole while the flange encloses the hole, which flange comprises means for attaching e.g. a ceiling lamp in the form of a spot. The fixture also comprises, a support member having a centre axis, an inner side and an outer side, said support member being for abutment on the other side of the hole, said support member having fastening means being mutually adapted for complementary fastening means on the annular flange. The support member is configured to form at least two configurations, the first configuration being as an annular member having a flat bottom that defines a - essentially - circular unbroken surface with a first outer circumference. The first configuration being for abutment around the hole such that the annular member is substantially coaxial with the hole. The second configuration being as an element defining a second outer circumference smaller than the first outer circumference, the first and second configurations being adapted such that the support member can be passed through a hole when it forms the second configuration and at least partially encircles the same hole when it forms the first configuration as an annular element.