Light Assembly Alignment Device with Guide and Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of light assemblies is challenging due to the difficulty in threading a rod into a blind hole while supporting the weight of the fixture, making it hard to align and secure the assembly to a ceiling-mounted bracket.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly and alignment device featuring a guide with a keeper and body that can be passed through a bracket hole, allowing the rod to be aligned and advanced through the hole for secure installation, along with a spacer for airflow and a nut system for adjustable positioning and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the installer threads a rod into a blind hole while supporting the weight of the fixture, then the light assembly can be installed, but it is difficult to align and secure the assembly to the ceiling bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide with a keeper and body as an intermediary device that passes through the bracket hole to align the rod with the blind hole. This mediator component makes the blind hole visible and accessible, eliminating the alignment difficulty while supporting the fixture weight during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is installed through the bracket hole before the rod is threaded in. This preliminary action prepares the path for the rod, making the subsequent threading operation easier by providing visual and physical guidance into the blind hole
2Reliability
If the rod is turned to advance through the bracket hole to raise the assembly to the ceiling, then the assembly can be securely mounted, but the installer must manually rotate and control the rod positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The nut at the end of the rod serves a dual function: it prevents the cover from sliding off during installation, and it can be rotated to advance the rod through the bracket hole. This self-service component eliminates the need for separate alignment and positioning tools, making the manual operation easier while ensuring secure mounting
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
Enables quick and accurate installation of light assemblies onto ceiling brackets, provides airflow for heat management, and ensures secure and safe positioning with the ability to raise and lower the assembly as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The vents allow for airflow to pass through the assembly above the electronics
Implementation Method 2
A fan can be optionally provided to assist in moving air over the electronics if increased heat removal is desired
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved light assembly and alignment device. One embodiment of the assembly can have a spacer, a lid, a rod, a bracket, a guide, electronics, a cover and a nut. The spacer has a perimeter sidewall that is vented. A guide having a keeper and a body can be passed through a hole in the bracket. The rod can receive the body of the guide wherein the rod is aligned with the hole in the bracket. A nut at an end of the rod supports the cover by preventing it from sliding off from the end of the rod. The nut also is used to turn the rod so that it advances through the bracket hole to raise the assembly to the ceiling. Another embodiment has a square nut that is seated in a bracket when the rod is passed through a bracket slot.