Light Fitting With Simultaneous Mechanical And Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching electrical lights to ceilings require separate mechanical and electrical connections, which can be cumbersome and require supporting the weight of the light, especially for heavier fixtures, necessitating multiple people and increased time.
Innovation Solution
A light fitting system that integrates both mechanical and electrical connections, allowing for simultaneous engagement of mechanical and electrical connectors through a single action, eliminating the need to support the light during separate connection steps and enabling easy installation with a single part configuration that aligns with standard screw-hole placements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate mechanical and electrical connections are made, then electrical connection can be established, but the user must support the weight of the light while attaching the light fitting, making the process difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical support function and electrical connection function into a single integrated light fitting assembly. The light fitting includes both mechanical mounting components (screws, mounting plate) and electrical connection components (wire connectors, terminals) that are pre-assembled together, allowing both functions to be performed in a single installation step rather than separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical and electrical components are pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing. The light fitting arrives at the installation site as a complete unit with all mechanical fasteners and electrical connectors already in place, eliminating the need for users to perform preliminary assembly steps or support the light weight during connection operations.
2Ease of operation
If separate mechanical and electrical connections are made, then both connections can be established, but the process requires more than one person for heavier lights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates mechanical mounting features and electrical connection features into a single unified light fitting structure. The mounting plate, screws, wire connectors, and electrical terminals are all part of one assembly, allowing a single installer to complete both mechanical attachment and electrical wiring in one continuous operation without requiring assistance to support the light weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fitting is designed as a modular assembly with distinct but integrated components: a mounting plate for mechanical attachment, integrated wire connectors for electrical connection, and pre-configured terminals. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration that simplifies installation to a single-step process.
3Reliability
If separate mechanical and electrical connections are made, then connections can be established, but the electrical connection may be damaged during the attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical fastening components and electrical connection components into a single integrated assembly where both functions are performed simultaneously in one installation action. This eliminates the sequential process where electrical connections are made first and then mechanical attachment follows, which risks damaging the delicate electrical connections during the mechanical fastening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fitting is pre-assembled with electrical connections protected and secured within the integrated structure before installation. The mechanical and electrical components are configured together during manufacturing with appropriate protection and alignment features that prevent damage during the single-step installation process, cushioning against potential damage that would occur in separate assembly operations.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~4
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AI summary
A light fitting comprising: a first part for connecting to a surface; the first part comprising: a first electrical connector; and a first mechanical connector; a second part for connecting to a light; the second part comprising: an electrical interface configured to be releasably coupled to a power circuit for a light; a second electrical connector; wherein the second electrical connector is arranged to be electrically connected to the electrical interface for supplying power to the light; and a second mechanical connector arranged to releasably engage the first mechanical connector; wherein the first electrical connector and second electrical connector are arranged to engage to provide an electrical connection between the first and second parts as the first and second mechanical connectors engage; and the light fitting is arranged such that an electrical connection between the first and second parts can be provided when the second part is at any of a plurality of positions relative to the first part.