Adjustable Landscape Light Fixture Telescopic Collet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available telescoping landscape light fixtures face issues such as damage to the inner tubular member due to set screws, corrosion, inadequate cable storage leading to crimping and difficulty in adjusting height, and water leakage between tubular members, especially in snowy conditions and soils with high organic and moisture content.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable height landscape light fixture featuring a telescopic design with a cylindrical plastic outer body and a soft elastomeric collet that securely locks the inner riser without scratching, combined with a threaded cap to manage cable storage and prevent water ingress, using a ground support flange to prevent rotation and ensure proper orientation of the light fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If set screws are used to fix the inner tubular member, then the height adjustment is achieved, but the inner tubular member is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A collet is introduced as an intermediary component between the set screw and the inner tubular member. The collet receives the set screw and transmits the fixing action to the inner riser portion without direct contact that would cause damage. This mediator protects the inner tubular member while still achieving the height adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet is made of soft elastomeric material that can be replaced if worn or damaged. Rather than protecting the expensive inner tubular member with complex mechanisms, the patent uses a sacrificial elastomeric collet that absorbs the wear and damage, allowing easy replacement without affecting the structural integrity of the inner tubular member.
2Strength
If metal tubular members are used, then the structural strength is improved, but corrosion occurs in snowy conditions and high moisture soils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining plastic outer body portion with metal inner riser portion. The plastic outer body provides corrosion resistance in snowy and moist conditions, while the metal inner riser maintains structural strength. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function without the drawbacks of using metal throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer body portion is made of plastic material that acts as a protective shell around the metal inner riser. This plastic shell prevents direct contact between the metal and corrosive environmental factors (snow, moisture, soil), thereby protecting the metal from corrosion while maintaining the overall structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If inadequate cable storage is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but cable crimping and water leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cable storage space is nested within the existing telescopic structure of the light fixture. The cable management features are integrated into the outer body portion and inner riser portion, allowing cable storage without adding external complexity. The cable is routed through the telescopic mechanism and stored in the nested spaces between the tubular members.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet acts as an intermediary component that also serves as a water barrier. By positioning the collet between the inner riser and outer body, it prevents water from reaching the cable connection points, thereby preventing water leakage and cable damage without requiring separate waterproofing structures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If water protection is added between tubular members, then water leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the inner riser from damage during adjustment, provides a water barrier preventing water leakage between tubular members, and maintains the telescopic mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate waterproofing components, thereby preventing water leakage without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
The solution provides a durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy-to-adjust light fixture that prevents damage to the inner tubular member, maintains cable integrity, and ensures secure installation without water leakage, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded cap is screwed over the upper threaded segment of the cylindrical body portion. The threaded cap is configured to squeeze the collet against the inner riser portion to fix and un-fix a predetermined longitudinal position of the inner riser portion relative to the outer cylindrical body portion.
Implementation Method 2
A soft elastomeric collet that securely locks the inner riser without scratching
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable height landscape light fixture includes an outer cylindrical body portion having a upper threaded segment and an inner riser portion telescopically mounted in the outer cylindrical body portion. A collet surrounds the inner riser portion. A threaded cap is screwed over the upper threaded segment of the cylindrical body portion. The threaded cap is configured to squeeze the collet against the inner riser portion to fix and un-fix a predetermined longitudinal position of the inner riser portion relative to the outer cylindrical body portion and provide a substantially water impervious seal between the threaded cap and the inner riser portion. An incandescent or LED upper light portion is mounted to an upper end of the inner riser portion.