Threaded Lens Retainer with Contact Ring for Outdoor Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor lighting fixtures face issues with lens durability and replaceability, as lenses are typically permanently mounted using glues or epoxies that fail due to thermal expansion differences, leading to costly replacements of the entire bezel-lens combination when damaged.
Innovation Solution
A lens retaining device with a threaded bezel and removable retaining ring allows for easy replacement and sealing of lenses, using a contact ring to prevent wear and accommodate lenses of varying thickness, enabling independent replacement of lenses and seals without replacing the entire fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If lenses are permanently mounted using glues or epoxies, then the lens is securely fixed in the bezel, but the lens cannot be easily replaced when damaged and the glue fails due to thermal expansion differences
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mounting system is segmented into separate components: the bezel, the lens, and an independent retaining ring. This segmentation allows the lens to be securely held by the retaining ring while enabling easy removal and replacement without damaging the bezel or requiring adhesive removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A retaining ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the bezel and the lens. This retaining ring provides the mechanical retention function, while a separate seal provides the sealing function. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for adhesives and enables easy lens replacement.
2Reliability
If the entire bezel-lens combination is replaced when the lens is damaged, then a functional lens is restored, but costly waste occurs due to the ornamental bezel being discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented so that only the lens and retaining ring need to be replaced when the lens is damaged, while the ornamental bezel can be retained and reused. This eliminates the waste of discarding functional or aesthetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables recovery and reuse of the bezel by allowing the lens to be independently replaced. The retaining ring can be removed from the old lens and transferred to the new lens, while the bezel remains in place and is reused.
3Ease of repair
If a threaded retaining ring is used to secure the lens, then the lens can be easily replaced, but the rotation of the retaining ring may cause wear or damage to the lens
Solution Approach 1:
A seal is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating retaining ring and the lens. This seal protects the lens from direct contact with the retaining ring during rotation, preventing wear and damage while still allowing the retaining ring to effectively secure and release the lens.
4Device complexity
If a single retaining structure is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot accommodate lenses of varying thicknesses or types
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed with a universal threaded interface that can accommodate lenses of varying thicknesses and types. The threaded engagement with the bezel provides adjustable retention, allowing the same retaining ring to securely hold different lens configurations without requiring multiple specialized retaining structures.
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
This solution allows for convenient, cost-effective replacement of lenses and seals, enhancing durability and flexibility in lighting characteristics, reducing waste and expense associated with damaged lenses, and accommodating various lens configurations and thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
the bezel has threads formed on the bezel interior. In this case, a retaining ring having external features for engaging the threads formed on the bezel interior is advanced by rotational engagement of the external features with the threads of the bezel interior
Implementation Method 2
The seal may engage the periphery of one face of the lens, and may alternatively or additionally, engage the lens edge and/or the periphery of the second face of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a retainer assembly and method for securely retaining a lens in a housing such as a light fixture bezel. An exemplary retainer assembly includes a lens and lens seal within a light bezel having threads and a contact surface formed on the bezel interior, a retaining ring having external features for engaging the threads on the bezel interior, and a contact ring disposed between the retaining ring and the lens to be secured in the bezel. An exemplary method involves the steps of placing a seal around the periphery and edge of a disc shaped lens, seating the lens within the lens bezel or retaining ring, and advancing the retaining ring within the bezel with a contact ring adjacent the lens and seal to prevent wear from rotation.