Releasable Light Fixture Fastener for Tool-Free Lens Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixture assemblies lack easy and tool-free mechanisms for connecting and disconnecting housing and lens components for maintenance and cleaning, which complicates maintenance and increases the risk of damage during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A releasable fastener system with a base, elongated body, and engagement element that securely fastens light fixture components together, allowing for easy locking and unlocking without tools, using a resilient material and designed to fit in only one orientation to ensure secure and simple assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection means are used to connect housing and lens, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly require tools and are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a fastener with base, elongated body, and engagement element that can be independently assembled and disassembled without tools, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection, allowing the lens to be easily removed and reattached while maintaining secure connection during operation, addressing both ease of operation and connection security
2Ease of repair
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the components are securely connected, but maintenance and cleaning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is pre-configured with engagement surfaces and aperture alignment features that guide proper assembly, ensuring reliable connection while allowing easy removal for maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between connection security and ease of maintenance
3Ease of operation
If a releasable fastener system is implemented, then tool-free assembly is achieved, but the fastener structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (securing, aligning, and guiding) are merged into a single integrated fastener component with base, elongated body, and engagement element, achieving tool-free assembly while minimizing the increase in structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a light fixture assembly and a releasable fastener for use with a light fixture assembly. The light fixture assembly includes: a first light fixture component; a second light fixture component that includes an engagement surface and an aperture; and a releasable fastener configured to extend through the aperture and engage the engagement surface when in the locked position to releasably secure the first and second light fixture components together.