Recessed Lamp Mounting Unit with Collapsible Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed lighting systems face challenges in easy installation and removal without damaging plasterboard substrates, as they often rely on torsional springs that apply stress to the substrate during insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A lamp mounting unit with a front ring, lugs, sliders, and brackets that can configure between a collapsed and expanded position, allowing for a simple push-fit installation and pull-out removal without the need for torsional springs, using a sliding and rotating mechanism to engage and disengage with the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sprung arms are held back against torsional spring force for insertion, then the mounting unit can be inserted into the substrate, but the substrate edge and side surface are damaged due to applied stress
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting unit employs movable brackets that can dynamically change their configuration between a collapsed state (for insertion) and an expanded state (for securing). This dynamic transformation allows the mounting unit to adapt its shape to fit through the opening without applying damaging stress to the substrate edges during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets undergo parameter changes in their spatial configuration and structural state. By transforming from a collapsed configuration (where brackets are retracted) to an expanded configuration (where brackets protrude to engage the substrate), the mounting unit achieves both easy insertion and secure mounting without substrate damage.
2Reliability
If torsional springs are used to provide retaining force, then the mounting unit can be secured in the substrate, but the installation process becomes complex and requires access to the back side
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the torsional spring mechanism from the mounting unit design. Instead of using springs to provide retaining force, the system uses the geometric configuration and mechanical interlocking of the expandable brackets, which engage with the substrate through their expanded position without requiring any elastic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting unit performs self-service by automatically transforming from a collapsed to an expanded configuration during insertion. The brackets self-adjust and self-lock into position through the push-fit mechanism, eliminating the need for manual spring adjustment or back-side access for installation.
3Ease of repair
If the mounting unit is designed to be removable without damaging the substrate, then the lamp can be replaced or repaired, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible dynamic transformation of the brackets between collapsed and expanded states enables both simple installation and removal. During removal, the brackets are pushed back to the collapsed configuration, allowing the mounting unit to be easily pulled out without damaging the substrate, while maintaining a relatively simple overall mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a lamp (5) comprising a lamp body (6) and a mounting unit (8), for fitting through an opening in a substrate. The mounting unit has a front ring (10) for mounting against a front side of the substrate and an arrangement of lugs (12), sliders (20) and brackets (30). The brackets have a collapsed position in which the brackets fit through the opening; and an expanded locked position in which the brackets do not fit through the opening and the brackets are positioned for engaging with a back side of the substrate. The brackets are driven into their positions by a pushing/pulling arrangement rather than by using sprung arrangements. This enables damage to the substrate to be prevented.