Light Fixture Spring Support for Horizontal and Vertical Heat Sink Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light fixture assemblies face challenges such as heat sink movement at undesirable angles due to simultaneous operation of multiple springs, difficulty in horizontal travel, and increased glare from smaller apertures, while also requiring access for component replacement and a continuous ceiling surface.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture assembly with a carriage and springs that allow horizontal and vertical movement of the heat sink, combined with a baffle system to reduce glare and provide access, using a spring structure that is partially compressed by the heat sink and a glare mask to minimize reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple springs are used to hold components in place, then the components are securely held, but the heat sink cannot easily travel horizontally and can only move at undesirable angles
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system is segmented into multiple independent springs (first spring, second spring, third spring, fourth spring) positioned at different locations. Each spring independently supports the heat sink, allowing the system to provide both stable holding and horizontal movement capability. The segmentation allows the heat sink to be supported at multiple points simultaneously, enabling smooth horizontal translation without angular deviation.
2Area of stationary object
If the aperture size is reduced, then the ceiling surface appears continuous, but glare increases
Solution Approach 1:
A baffle is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the aperture. The baffle includes a first portion and a second portion that work together to control light paths. The first portion blocks direct line-of-sight glare while the second portion manages reflected light, allowing the aperture to remain small for ceiling continuity while significantly reducing glare effects.
3Volume of moving object
If the aperture is made smaller, then the light fixture is more compact, but access to components for replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed as a removable component that can be dynamically reconfigured. The baffle includes a first portion and a second portion that can be separated or removed to provide access to the light source and other components. This dynamic design allows the fixture to maintain a compact form with small apertures during operation, while enabling easy component access when the baffle is removed for maintenance or replacement.
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
Enables smooth horizontal and vertical movement of the heat sink, reduces glare, and allows easy access for component replacement without disrupting the continuous ceiling surface.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is fixedly coupled to the second side wall extending between the second side wall and the light assembly. The spring is partially compressed by the light assembly while allowing horizontal and vertical movement of at least a portion of the light assembly.
Implementation Method 2
A light engine assembly is thermally coupled to the heat sink. The heat sink is at least partially disposed within the housing.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A light fixture assembly includes a carriage having a first side wall having a first opening therethrough, and a second side wall disposed opposite and spaced from the first side wall. A light assembly disposed at least partially within and coupled to the first side wall of the carriage. A spring is fixedly coupled to the second side wall extending between the second side wall and the light assembly. The spring is partially compressed by the light assembly while allowing horizontal and vertical movement of at least a portion of the light assembly.