Light Fixture Optic Holder with Snap-Fit Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light fixtures lack efficient and easy-to-assemble designs for optics and modular connectivity, leading to complex assembly processes and aesthetic discontinuities when multiple fixtures are interconnected.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture system featuring a housing with integrated total internal reflection (TIR) optics and a holder body with snap-fit recesses for easy optic alignment, along with a bracket and cover system for seamless interconnection of multiple fixtures, providing a continuous surface appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional light fixtures use separate mounting methods for optics, then assembly requires multiple steps and tools, but the holder body with integrated recesses enables direct snap-fit installation of optics
Solution Approach 1:
The holder body integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, contains pre-formed recesses for optic positioning, and incorporates retention features for securing optics. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, adhesives, or fastening operations, allowing optics to be installed via a simple snap-fit action into the integrated recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses are pre-formed during holder body manufacturing with precise geometry matching the optic shapes. Retention features are also pre-integrated into the holder body structure. This preliminary preparation of positioning and retention mechanisms eliminates the need for field assembly steps, tools, or adjustments when installing optics, requiring only a snap-fit action.
2Ease of operation
If multiple light fixtures are connected separately without integration features, then assembly requires multiple fasteners and alignment steps, but the bracket and cover system enables seamless interconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system merges the bracket and cover into an integrated assembly that performs multiple functions: mechanical coupling between fixtures, electrical connection protection, and aesthetic finishing. The bracket provides structural attachment points while the cover integrates over the connection area, creating a unified appearance. This merged design eliminates the need for separate fasteners, alignment procedures, and aesthetic finishing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket and cover system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mechanically connects adjacent fixtures, protects electrical connectors and cords, provides structural support for the connection assembly, and delivers a continuous aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the interconnection process to a single integration step.
3Shape
If conventional fixtures lack integrated connection features, then inter-fixture appearance shows visible gaps and discontinuities, but the cover system provides a continuous surface appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to integrate over the connection area between fixtures, merging the visual appearance of separate fixtures into a continuous surface. It covers the bracket, electrical connectors, and cord routing areas, creating a seamless aesthetic transition. This visual merging is achieved through the cover's geometry that matches and blends with the fixture housing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element that bridges the visual gap between adjacent fixtures. It conceals the connection hardware and creates a continuous surface profile, mediating the transition from discrete fixtures to an integrated appearance. The cover's shape and positioning allow it to blend with both fixture housings, eliminating visible discontinuities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easier assembly and alignment of optics within the light fixtures and enables a seamless, aesthetically continuous connection of multiple light fixtures, improving both functionality and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of optics are total internal reflection (TIR) optics, and each TIR optic may include one end positioned adjacent an associated LED of the LED board and a second end through which light is output
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture is provided that includes a housing and a light assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) supported on an LED board that is supported in the housing. The light fixture also includes a plurality of optics, wherein each optic is positioned adjacent an associated LED, and a holder body supported within the housing. The holder body includes a plurality of recesses that support each optic. In some embodiments, the housing of the light fixture may include a main portion and a support portion, and may further include a support arm operably connected to the support portion and configured for supporting the light fixture on a surface.