Interlocking Joiner Bracket for Light Fixture Sections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joining systems for light fixtures are challenging to assemble safely and efficiently, particularly for large installations, often requiring multiple unique components that increase costs and susceptibility to light leakage, and can be difficult to access, leading to longer installation times.

Innovation Solution

A joiner bracket system with symmetric and complementary shapes that interlock, using angled fasteners to securely join light fixture sections with minimal gaps, and optional vertical supports to reduce light leakage, allowing for easier assembly and reduced component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional joining systems use multiple unique components to join light fixture sections, then the joining function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of unique componentsVSAvoidjoining effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joiner bracket is designed as a universal component that can join any two light fixture sections regardless of their orientation or position. A single bracket design with symmetric features allows it to function in multiple configurations, eliminating the need for different bracket types for different joining scenarios. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable joining effectiveness through standardized interlocking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If technicians use traditional joining methods while suspended on ladders or scaffolds, then the light fixture sections can be joined, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to safety risks and difficulty in holding sections while engaging fasteners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and ease of assemblyVSAvoidjoining security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joiner brackets are pre-installed onto the light fixture sections during manufacturing or pre-assembly, before the actual installation takes place. This preliminary action allows the brackets to be securely attached with proper torque and alignment in a controlled environment, eliminating the need for technicians to manually hold sections while engaging fasteners during suspended installation. The pre-installed brackets maintain joining security through their robust interlocking design while dramatically improving ease of operation during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If light fixture sections are assembled on the ground before installation, then the joining process can be completed, but the productivity decreases due to the need to lift and place heavy assembled fixtures into position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidweight of assembled fixture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light fixture is divided into multiple separate sections that are installed independently rather than assembling the entire fixture on the ground. Each section remains lightweight and manageable during installation. The joiner brackets enable these separate sections to be quickly connected in place, eliminating the need to lift and position heavy fully-assembled fixtures. This segmentation approach improves productivity by allowing lighter, faster installation while maintaining structural integrity through the bracket joining system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional joining systems are used, then the light fixture sections can be connected, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to gaps at intersections that cause light leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap minimization at jointsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joiner bracket design merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural joining, gap closure, and light blocking functions simultaneously. The bracket's geometry includes features that directly contact and seal against adjacent fixture sections, eliminating gaps without requiring separate gaskets or light-blocking components. This merging approach achieves high manufacturing precision in gap minimization while avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10801709B1Interlocking joiner bracket and system for adjoining light fixture sections

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 FOCAL POINT LLC

AI summary

An example joiner bracket system for joining a first section and a second section of a fixture includes a pair of oppositely-oriented joiner brackets that have interlocking and complementary shapes. The joiner brackets may include features that engage with or attach to corresponding elements within the first and second fixtures. After the joiner brackets are secured to their respective fixture sections, the pair of joiner brackets may be positioned near each other to align a pair of bore holes or coupling bosses each extending at an angle through the pair of joiner brackets. Screws or other suitable fasteners may be driven through the aligned bosses or bores to couple to the bosses, and upon further engagement, to pull together the joiner brackets together and, in turn, bring together the first and second sections of the lighting fixture.