Light Strip Coupling Geometry for Easier Rail Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for elongated lamps require complex and costly alignment and connection of mounting rails, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, especially for very long installations, due to the need for precise alignment and robust fixation using couplings made from sheet metal.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design with angled longitudinal end sections that reduce transverse width, allowing for easier insertion and secure fixation of mounting rails, while maintaining structural stability and space efficiency, by having coupling side walls that angle towards each other, facilitating simpler and quicker connection of mounting rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional sheet metal couplings are used to connect support rails, then structural stability is achieved, but alignment complexity and installation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates curved guide surfaces that guide the support rails into proper alignment during insertion. The curved geometry automatically compensates for misalignment and ensures precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures, thus maintaining structural stability while reducing alignment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface by introducing angled longitudinal end sections that reduce transverse width. This parameter change enables easier insertion while maintaining the structural stability of the connection through optimized geometry
2Reliability
If precise alignment is required for coupling connection, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is pre-designed with integrated guide surfaces and angled end sections that automatically perform the alignment function during insertion. This preliminary design action eliminates the need for separate alignment steps, ensuring connection reliability while significantly reducing installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism performs self-alignment through its geometric design, where the angled longitudinal end sections and guide surfaces automatically guide the support rails into correct position during insertion. This self-service alignment eliminates manual intervention, maintaining connection reliability while reducing installation time and labor cost
3Volume of moving object
If coupling transverse width is reduced for space efficiency, then space saving is achieved, but insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved guide surfaces on the coupling element create a gradual insertion path that accommodates the reduced transverse width. The curvature allows the support rails to be guided smoothly into the tighter space, maintaining ease of insertion while achieving space efficiency through optimized geometry
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for realizing a longitudinally elongated luminaire, comprising several longitudinally elongated support rails 1, each having a U-shaped cross-section formed by a support rail base and two support rail side walls, wherein the system includes a coupling 3 for mechanically connecting a first and a second of the support rails 1, which has a U-shaped cross-section formed by a coupling base 31 and two coupling side walls 32, 33, wherein in an operating state of the system the coupling 3 is arranged with a first longitudinal section in the first support rail 1 and with a second longitudinal section in the second support rail 1 and fixes these support rails 1 to each other, wherein at least one of the first coupling side walls 32, 33 extends with a first longitudinal end section 326, 326 towards the longitudinal direction X towards the other coupling side wall 32, 33,so that the coupling 3 has a transverse width that decreases towards its first longitudinal end.