LED Retrofit Kit Track Bracket Assembly Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retrofitting fluorescent light fixtures with LED panels is costly and time-consuming due to the need for complete removal of existing fixtures, including hazardous materials, which is burdensome for large installations like office or apartment buildings.

Innovation Solution

A luminaire retrofit kit with an assembly mechanism and retaining mechanism that allows for easy installation of LED panels within existing fluorescent fixtures, minimizing the need for complete removal and reducing installation time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complete removal of fluorescent fixtures is performed for LED retrofitting, then LED panels can be properly installed, but installation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fluorescent fixture is divided into separable components: the housing remains in place while only the internal components (ballast, fluorescent tubes, lens) are removed and replaced with LED components. This segmentation allows partial retrofitting without complete fixture removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing of the existing fluorescent fixture is made multi-functional by allowing it to accommodate both original fluorescent components and new LED components. The housing serves as a universal mounting structure that can contain different light source types, eliminating the need for complete fixture replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If complete removal of fluorescent fixtures is performed for LED retrofitting, then proper LED installation is achieved, but labor cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retrofit process is segmented into manageable steps: removing only necessary internal components while keeping the housing intact. This reduces the scope of work and associated labor costs while maintaining installation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing and mounting structure of the original fluorescent fixture are recovered and reused for the LED installation. Only the non-functional or incompatible components (ballast, fluorescent tubes, lens) are discarded, maximizing resource utilization and reducing disposal costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If LED tube bulbs are used to replace fluorescent bulbs, then compatibility with existing fixtures is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixture compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into independent replaceable modules: power supply (ballast replaced with LED driver), light source (fluorescent tubes replaced with LED tubes or panels), and optical component (lens replaced with diffuser). This modular approach maintains fixture compatibility while simplifying installation through standardized connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If ballasts are replaced for LED tube compatibility, then LED tubes can be installed, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ballast, which is incompatible with LED tubes, is extracted and removed from the fixture. It is replaced with a simplified LED-compatible driver that integrates the necessary power conversion functions, reducing overall system complexity while enabling LED compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12196394B2Luminaire retrofit kit
Publication Date: 2025.01.14 LEDVANCE LLC
  • US12196394B2 patent drawing
  • US12196394B2 patent drawing
  • US12196394B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A retrofit light emitting diode structure that includes a light emitting diode (LED) panel including at least a light emitting diode (LED) light source contained within an assembly or a lens and base housing. At least one track bracket is present on at least a portion of the perimeter of the base housing. The track bracket includes an opening to a race. An assembly mechanism is fastened to the track bracket that is positioned for engagement to an opening in a housing mount for the LED panel, wherein the assembly mechanism includes a tether having a length for providing an assembly distance from the housing mount. The retrofit light emitting diode (LED) structure also includes a retaining mechanism, wherein a base of the retaining mechanism includes a profile for engagement to the race of the track bracket and retaining arms extend through the opening to the race for reversible engagement to slots in the housing mount for the LED panel.