Light Assembly Rotation Mechanism for Tool-Free Directional Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light engines for recessed ceiling positioning are typically constructed from sheet metal and cannot be rotated to adjust light directionality without tools, limiting their flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly using injection molded components with a rotation mechanism that allows the light engine to be rotated beyond 360° and locked into position without requiring tools, featuring an adjustable rotation limiting mechanism and a rotational position locking system for precise orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If light engines are constructed from sheet metal components and locked in position over the ceiling opening, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the ability to rotate and adjust light directionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is divided into distinct components: a fixed mounting structure (pan and mounting ring) and a rotatable light engine assembly (rotation ring with light engine). This segmentation allows the mounting structure to provide structural stability while the light engine assembly can rotate independently for directional adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The light engine assembly is designed with dynamic rotational capability through the rotation ring mechanism. The cam lock arm provides a locking mechanism that can engage at different rotational positions, allowing the system to transition between fixed and adjustable states, thereby providing both stability and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If light engines are designed to be rotated once installed in a ceiling, then ease of operation for adjusting light direction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock arm mechanism is designed to be operated manually by the user without requiring external tools. The user can rotate the light engine assembly and the cam lock arm automatically engages with the rotation ring at the desired position, providing a self-servicing locking mechanism that simplifies operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's rotational input and the final locked position of the light engine. This intermediate component translates simple rotational motion into a secure locked position, reducing the overall complexity of the rotation system.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional sheet metal light engines are locked in position, then manufacturing precision and structural integrity are maintained, but adaptability for different lighting orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into a fixed reference frame (mounting ring with degree markings) and a rotatable element (rotation ring with light engine). This allows manufacturing precision to be maintained in the fixed components while the rotatable component provides orientation flexibility through controlled rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring is pre-marked with degree indications and the cam lock arm is pre-configured to engage at specific positions. This preliminary preparation allows for precise orientation adjustment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during installation, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a light assembly including a rotation ring including upper and lower surfaces, a mounting ring secured to a light pan and including upper and lower surfaces positioned over a portion of the rotation ring such that the portion of the rotation ring is sandwiched between the light pan and the mounting ring and such that the rotation ring is rotatable relative to the mounting ring, a light engine mounted on the rotation ring, and an adjustable rotation limiting mechanism that includes (a) a rotation stop platform provided on the mounting ring, the rotation stop platform including a moveable stop and (b) a rotation stop unit provided on the rotation ring, the rotation stop unit including a rotation stop arm. The rotation stop arm rotates with the rotation ring and contacts the moveable stop to prevent further rotation of the rotation ring with respect to the mounting ring.