Light Strip Rail Coupling With Spring-Release Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaire systems face challenges in quickly and reliably connecting and disconnecting elongated mounting rails, which are typically made of sheet metal, while ensuring a secure fixation and minimizing space usage within the mounting rails.
Innovation Solution
A system with a coupling mechanism featuring scraper springs and a disassembly tool, where the scraper spring is deflected to press against the mounting rails, and the disassembly tool is guided to easily release the springs from the rails, allowing for simple detachment and secure reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scraper springs are used to press against mounting rails for secure fixation, then reliability of connection is improved, but difficulty of disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
A disassembly tool is introduced as an intermediary element to interact with the scraper spring. The tool features a lever arm that applies force to the spring's pivot point, enabling controlled disengagement of the mounting rail without directly manipulating the spring itself. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing an external mechanism to overcome the secure fixation during disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper spring transitions from a static locking position during operation to a dynamic release position during disassembly. The spring can be pivoted between these states, allowing it to maintain reliable connection during normal use while enabling easy disconnection when the tool is applied. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between secure fixation and ease of disassembly.
2Strength
If coupling mechanism with scraper springs is used to fix mounting rails, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the scraper spring for securing, the pivot point for rotation, and the disassembly tool interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process compared to a monolithic coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper spring serves dual purposes: it automatically secures the mounting rail through its spring force during installation, and it can be automatically released by applying force to its pivot point with the disassembly tool. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional complex locking or unlocking mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If disassembly tool with lever arm is used to release scraper spring, then ease of disassembly is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm of the disassembly tool is designed with a curved or angled geometry that provides mechanical advantage. This curved design allows the user to apply force more efficiently to pivot the scraper spring, improving ease of disassembly. The curvature is integrated into the tool's structure, making the complexity inherent to the design rather than an added complication.
Solution Approach 2:
The disassembly tool is designed to work in conjunction with the coupling mechanism as an integrated system. The tool's lever arm specifically targets the scraper spring's pivot point, and the coupling mechanism includes corresponding features to receive and guide the tool. This merging of the tool and mechanism designs simplifies the overall system by making them complementary rather than separate, reducing total complexity.
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
The system provides a reliable and quick method for connecting and disconnecting mounting rails, ensuring secure fixation while minimizing space usage and maintaining structural integrity, facilitating easy maintenance and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the scraper spring has a first and a second spring section, which are deflected from a rest position in the operating state. In the operating state, the first spring section presses against the first mounting rail with a first spring force, and the second spring section presses against the second mounting rail with a second spring force
Implementation Method 2
The system comprises a disassembly tool which, in a disassembled state of the system, is pressed against the scraper spring to deflect it, such that the scraper nose of the second spring section of the scraper spring is spaced apart from the second mounting rail
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for realizing a longitudinally elongated luminaire, comprising several elongated support rails designed to receive mounting bodies equipped with light sources, with a U-shaped cross-section extending in a vertical and a transverse direction and open at a vertical end, and formed by a support rail base and two support rail side walls, wherein the system includes a coupling for mechanically connecting a first and a second of the support rails, the coupling having a coupling body formed by a coupling base and two coupling side walls, wherein the coupling is arranged with a first longitudinal section in the first support rail and with a second longitudinal section in the second support rail, wherein the coupling has a scratch spring with a first and a second spring section, each having a scratch nose.wherein the first spring section presses with its scratching nose against the first support rail and the second spring section presses with its scratching nose against the second support rail, wherein the coupling has a guide in which a disassembly tool is arranged, which is mounted in the guide and is displaceable on a displacement path defined therein, wherein the disassembly tool is pressed against the scratching spring.