Interchangeable Trim Collars for Recessed Light Fixture Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recessed light fixtures require skilled labor and are costly to install flush-mounted, as they often necessitate separate fixtures for visible and concealed trim collars, limiting consumer installation options and increasing expenses.
Innovation Solution
A recessed light fixture assembly with a single light source support module and interchangeable tubular members, featuring visible and concealed trim collars, allowing for easy installation and removal without skilled tradespeople, using frictional rotational coupling for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a plaster collar assembly is used to conceal the trim collar for flush mounting, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring skilled tradespeople
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into separate modular components: a light source support module and interchangeable tubular members with different trim collars. This segmentation allows the trim collar to be pre-attached to the tubular member, eliminating the need for on-site plaster work while maintaining the flush mounting appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim collars are pre-attached to the tubular members during manufacturing, so that when the fixture is installed, the aesthetic appearance is already achieved without requiring skilled tradespeople to apply plaster or perform complex finishing work.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fixtures are purchased for visible and concealed trim collars, then the design versatility is improved, but the cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source support module is designed to accept multiple interchangeable tubular members, each with different trim collar configurations (visible or concealed). This universal design allows one fixture type to serve multiple aesthetic purposes, eliminating the need to purchase separate fixtures for different design requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture incorporates removable and replaceable tubular members that can be interchanged based on aesthetic preferences. The frictional rotational coupling mechanism allows for easy removal and reinstallation of different tubular members with different trim collars, enabling dynamic adaptation to different design needs.
3Reliability
If skilled tradespeople are required for installation, then the installation reliability is improved, but the installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is designed with user-friendly features including frictional rotational coupling for secure attachment and simple removal mechanisms. The pre-attached trim collars and modular design enable consumers to install and modify the fixture themselves without requiring skilled tradespeople, while maintaining reliable installation through the friction-based securement system.
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
Enables consumers to install recessed light fixtures with visible or concealed trim collars easily, reducing installation costs and eliminating the need for skilled labor, while maintaining a flush-mounted appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular member is detachably secured by frictional rotational coupling at an inner end portion of the fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A recessed light fixture assembly for securement in a hole formed in a sheet material and wherein the assembly is comprised of a light source support module having an electrical connector for securing a power source thereto for energising the light source, Two or more open-ended light constraining tubular members are each adapted for immovable securement to the light source support module for interconnecting a selected one of the two or more open-ended light constraining tubular members to the light source support module. A first one of the two or more open-ended light constraining tubular members has a trim collar extending in a transverse plane about an outer end thereof. A further of the open-ended light constraining tubular members has a plaster collar extending in a transverse plane spaced a predetermined distance about an outer end thereof. The light source support module has a retention mechanism to retain the recessed light fixture with the selected one of the first and further open-ended light constraining tubular members connected thereto in the hole with its collar held firmly against an outer surface of the sheet material about the hole.