Light Fixture Coupler with Interoperable Male-Female Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light fixture coupling interfaces lack flexibility to accommodate emerging trends in interior design, failing to provide the necessary adaptability in design and installation.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system with interoperable male and female portions, featuring a channel pathway and locking latch mechanism, allows for adjustable and secure assembly of light fixture housing sections, enabling flexible design and mounting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coupling interfaces are used in light fixtures, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flexibility and adaptability for interior design trends are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion with male and female coupling portions, a separate locking latch, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide flexible coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking latch is designed to be movable relative to the coupler body, transitioning between latched and unlatched positions. This dynamic element enables the coupling interface to adapt to different assembly conditions and provide secure connection while maintaining design flexibility.
2Reliability
If a locking latch mechanism is added to secure male and female portions, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking latch is designed to be actuated by the fastening mechanism itself, where the fastening action automatically engages the latch to secure the male and female portions. This self-actuating design provides reliable connection without requiring separate manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking latch and fastening mechanism are integrated into a unified assembly where the latch is mounted on the coupler body and actuated by the fastening operation. This merging of functions provides secure connection while minimizing the number of separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupler is designed with interoperable male and female portions for flexible assembly, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female coupling portions are designed with complementary geometries at specific locations on the coupler body. This localized complementary design provides precise engagement at the coupling interface while allowing the rest of the coupler structure to maintain standard manufacturing tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a junction device for joining adjacent housing sections of a light fixture housing assembly, having a junction body structure formed from at least one junction body segment. A plurality of coupling units, each with at least one first boundary including at least one male portion or at least one female portion. The male and/or female portions are configured to enable each corresponding portion a first of the coupling units to receive the male portion of a second of the coupling units. Each of at least two of the coupling units including a first segment formed with the at least one junction body segment at respective first boundaries with the corresponding male or female portions extending therefrom. Each of the male and female portions is configured to be associated with a first locking structure to lock the female and male portions together to form the assembled light fixture housing.