Light Fixture Mount Interface for Ceiling Grid Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of light fixtures with ceiling studs is a tedious and time-consuming process, especially with increasing mounting points and studs, making it difficult to achieve accurate mounting.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an anchor structure with arm structures and a clamp mechanism that traverses relative to the ceiling grid, allowing for easy alignment and locking of light fixtures, utilizing complementary coupling structures for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional threaded studs and alignment procedures are used for mounting light fixtures, then secure mounting is achieved, but the mounting process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a ceiling grid segment with integrated studs, a light fixture with complementary passages, and a clamp structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and optimized, while the standardized interface between them enables quick assembly without complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling grid segment serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, incorporates mounting studs, and acts as a standardized interface for multiple light fixtures. The clamp structure similarly serves both as a positioning mechanism and a securing device, eliminating the need for separate alignment and mounting operations.
2Reliability
If multiple mounting points and studs are used to improve mounting security, then reliability increases, but alignment complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp structure is designed to self-align with the ceiling grid segment and light fixture passages through its geometric configuration. The complementary shapes of the clamp, grid segment, and fixture passages guide the components into proper alignment automatically, eliminating the need for manual alignment procedures while maintaining secure multi-point mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling grid segment acts as an intermediary between the ceiling structure and the light fixture. It provides a standardized interface with integrated studs that simplifies the connection process, while the clamp structure serves as a mediator that coordinates the interaction between the grid segment and fixture, enabling reliable mounting without complex alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of passages with studs is required, then mounting accuracy is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling grid segment is pre-configured with studs at standardized positions, and the light fixture is pre-designed with complementary passages. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface eliminates the need for field alignment adjustments, as the components are designed to mate precisely without requiring manual positioning or measurement during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from requiring precise manual alignment to achieving precise alignment through standardized geometric parameters. The clamp structure, ceiling grid segment, and light fixture are designed with specific dimensional relationships that automatically ensure proper alignment when assembled, converting a manual precision task into a standardized connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mounting a light fixture structure to a ceiling grid. The device includes an anchor structure extending from the light fixture structure, with a pair of arm structures spaced to receive a ceiling grid segment therebetween at an anchor location on the ceiling grid adjacent a lower region of the ceiling grid. The arm structures have respective distal regions configured to be accessible from an upper region of the ceiling grid and a clamp structure configured to traverse laterally relative to the distal regions to couple with the respective distal end regions and thereafter to be transferable between a released position and a locked position. When in the locked position, the ceiling grid segment held between the anchor and clamp structures place the light fixture structure in the mounted position.