Light Assembly Single-Side Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to provide a direct and simple way to secure a light assembly into an opening in a thin wall that is accessible from one side but inaccessible from the opposite side.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly with a body featuring a ramp and a threaded opening, along with a lock piece and threaded stem, allows for secure insertion and removal by rotating the stem, which moves the lock piece along the ramp to trap or release the thin wall between the lock piece and flange, using a U-shaped piece of spring steel for biasing the lock pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light assembly is inserted into an opening in a thin wall accessible from one side only, then the light assembly can be installed in inaccessible enclosures, but the securing mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate from a single side
Solution Approach 1:
The lock piece is biased to automatically engage with the wall material when inserted, rather than requiring active engagement from the accessible side. The threading mechanism reverses the typical locking approach by using rotational movement to translate the lock piece along the ramp, creating secure engagement without requiring tools or complex operations from the accessible side.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded lock piece automatically engages with the wall material upon insertion of the light assembly. The biasing spring provides continuous force to maintain engagement, and the threading mechanism allows the user to simply rotate the stem to secure or release the assembly without requiring additional tools or complex procedures.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented for single-side access, then the light assembly remains firmly attached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a lock piece for engagement, a threading stem for actuation, a ramp for motion translation, and a biasing spring for maintaining force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading stem acts as an intermediary between the user's rotational input and the lock piece's linear motion. The ramp serves as an intermediary that converts rotational movement into axial displacement of the lock piece. These intermediary elements simplify the user's interaction while achieving reliable securement.
3Reliability
If a threading mechanism is used to move the lock piece along the ramp, then secure engagement is achieved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The threading stem performs multiple functions: it provides the user interface for operation, converts rotational motion to linear motion, and maintains engagement force through its threaded engagement with the light assembly body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex motion requirements.
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 easy and secure installation and removal of the light assembly into and from the thin wall opening, ensuring a reliable and straightforward process.
Implementation Method 1
a like threaded stem (48) having an elongated axis and received in the threaded opening (44) in the light, the stem being connected to the lock piece (40) so that, as the threaded stem (48) rotates about its elongated axis in the threaded opening (44), moving away from the light one end, the stem moves the lock piece (40) away from the one end
Implementation Method 2
using a U-shaped piece of spring steel for biasing the lock pieces
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly including a light having a body with a ramp and a threaded opening. The body also has one end and another end having an outwardly extending flange, an elongated light central axis, and an outer surface having the ramp closer to the elongated light central axis at the one end of the light. The ramp is further away from the elongated light central axis near the other end. The light assembly also includes a lock piece having an end, and the lock piece is positioned on the body for movement along the ramp away from the one end, so that the lock piece end moves further away from the elongated central axis as the lock piece moves along the ramp away from the one end. The light assembly also includes a like threaded stem having an elongated axis and received in the threaded opening in the light, the stem being connected to the lock piece so that, as the threaded stem rotates about its elongated axis in the threaded opening, moving away from the light one end, the stem moves the lock piece away from the one end.