Mounting Clip for Networked LED Lighting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting systems face challenges in secure and efficient mounting to overhead ceiling grids, particularly in networked lighting systems, where reliable data and power transmission are essential, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for flexible installation and compliance with building codes.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel mounting clips for linear LED lamps that securely attach to ceiling grids using resilient tabs and fingers, allowing for easy adjustment and secure engagement with the lamp's heat sink, while also providing a self-locking mechanism to withstand vibrations and emergency conditions, and the ability to route network cables underneath the ceiling for seamless integration with networked lighting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mounting systems are used to secure linear LED lamps to ceiling grids, then installation is possible, but the mounting is not secure enough to withstand vibrations and emergency conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip incorporates a resilient tab that can deflect under load and return to its original position, allowing the mounting system to dynamically respond to vibrations and emergency conditions while maintaining secure attachment. The resilient tab flexes to accommodate movement then rebounds, providing continuous securing force without system failure.
2Reliability
If network cables are routed through existing ceiling infrastructure, then data and power transmission is possible, but interference with existing infrastructure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip provides a dedicated cable routing channel that directs network cables along the underside of the ceiling grid, moving cable routing from the interior ceiling space to the exterior surface dimension. This eliminates interference with existing ceiling infrastructure while ensuring reliable cable transmission through a purpose-designed pathway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linear LED lamps are mounted directly to ceiling grids, then installation flexibility is improved, but secure engagement with the ceiling grid is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip serves as an intermediary component between the linear LED lamp and the ceiling grid, providing a specialized engagement interface that combines the flexibility of direct mounting with the security of a dedicated mounting mechanism. The clip's resilient tab and engagement features create a strong connection while maintaining installation adaptability.
4Reliability
If resilient tabs are used for self-locking mechanism, then vibration resistance is improved, but the mounting system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tab is designed to automatically lock into position through its own elastic deformation, creating a self-locking mechanism without requiring additional components or complex assembly steps. The tab's material properties and geometry enable it to deflect during installation then lock securely, providing vibration resistance through its inherent elastic recovery capability.
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 enables secure, flexible, and efficient installation of networked LED lighting systems that comply with building codes by allowing direct mounting of LED lamps to ceiling grids and routing network cables underneath, ensuring reliable data and power transmission while minimizing interference with existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient tab extending upwardly from opposite ends of the horizontally extending mid-portion
Implementation Method 2
Inwardly projecting ramped flanges of the tabs are configured to oppose the upper surface ledge
Data Source
AI summary
A clip for mounting a linear LED lamp to an overhead dropped ceiling grid or to a planar support surface. The mounting clip has a pair of spaced resilient fingers extending downwardly and defining an interior region between the fingers sized to receive a portion of the linear LED lamp heat sink. Each finger has an internally facing engagement portion comprising protrusions configured to interlock with one or more external ridges of the heat sink of a linear LED lamp to securely retain the linear LED lamp between the fingers. In one form, the mounting clip has upper tab portions configured to engage and connect to a horizontally extending ledge of a channel member of the overhead dropped ceiling grid. In another form, the mounting clip is adapted to be secured to a planar support by means of a mechanical fastener or magnetically. The disclosed mounting clip can also be configured to secure a network cable to the lower surface of a ceiling or other support surface so that the cable can be routed from a network switch or other control equipment to the individual linear LED lamps or from one lamp to another in an automated POE lighting system.