Light Bulb Crystal Modifier Mechanical Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decorative lighting fixtures face issues with adhesives degrading over time and the mechanical weakening or light obstruction caused by creating holes in crystals to secure light bulbs, leading to increased power consumption and manufacturing complications.

Innovation Solution

A light bulb assembly that mechanically secures a crystal without adhesives or holes, using a clamp, clip, spring, shim, thread, or ring to attach the crystal to the light bulb housing, ensuring secure compression even when heated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is used to secure the light bulb to the crystal, then the crystal can be attached to the light fixture, but the adhesive degrades over time when heated and loses mechanical strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidservice life of adhesive

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical attachment system. A clamp or clip made of heat-resistant material mechanically secures the light bulb assembly to the crystal, eliminating the degradation issues associated with adhesive breakdown under thermal stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a clamp or clip as an intermediary component between the light bulb assembly and the crystal. This intermediary provides a secure mechanical connection that can withstand thermal expansion and contraction without degrading, solving the attachment strength problem while maintaining structural integrity over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a hole is created in the crystal to secure the light bulb, then the light bulb can be attached, but the crystal is mechanically weakened and internal fractures may not be visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidstructural integrity of crystal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hole-creation attachment method with a clamp-based mechanical system. The clamp attaches to the exterior surface of the crystal or to a mounting structure, eliminating the need to drill holes through the crystal and thereby preserving its structural integrity while still providing secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the attachment function from the crystal itself by using a separate clamp or clip component. Instead of modifying the crystal by creating holes, the attachment mechanism is taken out as a separate element that secures the light bulb assembly without penetrating or weakening the crystal structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If a hole is created in the crystal to secure the light bulb, then the light bulb can be attached, but light is blocked and greater power is required to achieve the same luminosity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hole-based attachment system with a clamp-based system that does not penetrate the crystal. This eliminates light-blocking holes while maintaining secure attachment, thereby reducing the power required to achieve the desired luminosity through the crystal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If a hole is created in the crystal to secure the light bulb, then the light bulb can be attached, but manufacturing complexity increases and failure rate during production rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex hole-creation and insertion process with a simpler clamp-based attachment system. The clamp can be easily adjusted and secured without requiring precise hole drilling, alignment, or insertion operations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and production failure rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11635172B2Light bulb with crystal modifier

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 PEREIRA FRED METSCH

AI summary

A light bulb assembly that includes a crystal modifier, a housing, a mechanical attachment, a light source, electrical components, and a threaded insert is disclosed herein. The crystal modifier is secured to the housing using a mechanical attachment such as a clamp, clip, spring, shim, thread, or ring. The light source and electrical components are provided in the housing, where the light source is positioned to project light into the crystal modifier. The threaded insert is attached to the housing opposite the crystal modifier and is configured to provide the electrical components and light source with a connection to a power source when the threaded insert is in electrical contact with the power source.