LED Light Holder Snap-Fit Mounting for RV Ceilings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional RV lighting systems require cumbersome electrical connections above the ceiling, making installation and repair difficult, and there is a need for aesthetically pleasing and inexpensive mounting of LED light strips in RVs.
Innovation Solution
A light holding system with an elongate light holder and resilient wings that snap into a retaining strip, providing a snap-fit connection and resilient bias to securely hold LED light strips without adhesives, allowing for easy installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional can lights are installed with electrical connections above the ceiling, then lighting functionality is achieved, but installation and repair become cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light holder is divided into multiple components: a main body portion that interfaces with the retaining strip, and resilient wings that independently engage the ceiling surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient wings are designed to be flexible and capable of deformation. During installation, the wings can be compressed to fit through the retaining strip opening, then spring back to their original shape to create a secure snap-fit connection with the ceiling surface, enabling easy installation without complex electrical work.
2Ease of manufacture
If LED light strips are mounted to the ceiling, then energy efficiency and aesthetics are improved, but secure mounting without adhesives becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient wings automatically perform the mounting function through their elastic properties. When compressed during installation and then released, they self-generate the necessary holding force to secure the LED light strip to the ceiling surface without requiring external adhesives or fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The light holder combines multiple functions into a single component: structural support, secure attachment to the ceiling surface, and retention of the LED light strip. The resilient wings and main body work together as an integrated system to achieve reliable mounting while maintaining simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the light holder structure is made resilient to enable snap-fit installation, then ease of installation is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The light holder exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions. The resilient wings are designed with flexibility to enable snap-fit installation, while the main body portion maintains sufficient structural strength to support the LED light strip and transmit forces to the ceiling surface. Each region is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light holder can be constructed from composite materials or multi-layer structures that combine flexibility and strength. The resilient wings may use materials with lower modulus for flexibility, while the main body uses higher strength materials, achieving both ease of installation and structural integrity.
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 system ensures a secure, gap-free fit of LED light strips, facilitating easy installation and repair while maintaining a clean appearance, and allows for electrical connections without damaging the RV structure.
Implementation Method 1
The wings are resiliently bendable between an uninstalled position and an installed position
Data Source
AI summary
A light holding system having a light holder with wings that define an outer contoured surface. A channel extends inwardly of the outer contoured surface and has a bottom wall and lateral walls. The wings are resiliently bendable between an uninstalled and an installed position. In the uninstalled position the tips of the wings are at a first distance from an opening of the channel and in the installed position the tips of the wings are at a second distance from the opening in the channel. The second distance is less than the first distance.