Light Fixture Control Module Mounting Base Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light fixtures with only a vertical pole lack a convenient surface for mounting a control module, making electrical connections difficult during installation, especially at the top of the fixture.

Innovation Solution

A light fixture control module with a base that includes an inner and outer end, where the inner end is mounted to a vertical mounting base, and a bracket with a shell and sensor is coupled to the outer end, featuring a sensor connector to electrically connect with the fixture wire, facilitating control of the light element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a light fixture uses only a vertical pole structure, then the fixture structure is simple, but there is no convenient surface for mounting a control module and electrical connections become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixture structureVSAvoidmounting and electrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control module into separate components: a mounting base that attaches to the vertical pole, and a control housing that contains the sensor and electronics. This segmentation allows the mounting base to provide a stable mounting surface while the control housing remains accessible for electrical connections, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a purely vertical pole structure to a three-dimensional mounting configuration by adding a mounting base that extends horizontally from the pole. This dimensional change creates a convenient surface for mounting the control module while maintaining the simplicity of the vertical pole structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the control module is installed at the top of the light fixture, then mounting is straightforward, but electrical connection becomes difficult during field installation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemountingVSAvoidelectrical connection during installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mounting base as an intermediary component between the vertical pole and the control module. This mounting base provides both a stable mounting surface and convenient access points for electrical connections, eliminating the difficulty of making electrical connections at the top of the fixture while maintaining straightforward mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bracket with shell and sensor is added to the base, then control functionality is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidcontrol module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the mounting base to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the control module, creates a convenient mounting surface, and facilitates electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enabling control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4477946A1Light fixture control module
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP4477946A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4477946A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4477946A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light fixture control module (100) includes a base (110) that includes an inner end (112) and an outer end (114). The inner end (112) is mounted to a vertical mounting base (50) of a light fixture (10). The light fixture control module (100) includes a bracket (150) coupled to the outer end of the base. The bracket includes a shell (152) that has an inner chamber (154). The light fixture control module includes a sensor (200a, 200b) mounted to the shell of the bracket. The sensor has a sensor element (210), a sensor wire (220) transmitting a control signal from the sensor element, and a sensor connector connected to an end of the sensor wire. The sensor connector is configured to be electrically connected to a fixture wire of the light fixture to control operation of a light element of the light fixture.