Adjustable Lighting Assembly with Aperture Alignment and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed lighting fixtures have fixed lamps that are difficult to adjust, limiting their orientation and position, making it challenging to direct light effectively to specific target areas, and existing adjustment mechanisms are often complex and hard to operate.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable lighting assembly with a ceiling pan and lamp assembly that allows independent rotation and lateral movement of lamps, featuring a locking mechanism to secure the position, enabling easy alignment and adjustment after installation, with alignment springs and locking assemblies for precise positioning and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed lamps are used in recessed lighting fixtures, then the fixture structure is simple, but the lamp orientation and position cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the lamp assembly to rotate about a vertical axis and pivot about a horizontal axis, transforming a fixed lighting fixture into an adjustable one. This enables the lamp to be oriented in different directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of rotation and pivot mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used to enable lamp orientation, then the lamp can be aimed in particular directions, but the mechanisms are difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: rotation about a vertical axis and pivoting about a horizontal axis. This segmentation allows each degree of freedom to be adjusted separately, simplifying the operation by enabling step-by-step positioning rather than requiring complex coordinated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trim ring as an intermediary component that facilitates adjustment operations. The trim ring provides a user-friendly interface for operating the adjustment mechanisms, making it easier to rotate and pivot the lamp assembly without directly manipulating complex mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fixture is fixed in a specific ceiling location, then the installation is simple, but the lamp cannot be positioned to illuminate target areas effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to rotate about a vertical axis and pivot about a horizontal axis after installation. This enables effective light targeting to specific areas while maintaining simple ceiling installation, as the adjustability is built into the lamp assembly itself rather than requiring complex installation procedures.
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 solution provides easy and precise adjustment of light direction and position, allowing for effective targeting of light to specific areas without the complexity of existing systems, enhancing usability and flexibility in lighting installations.
Implementation Method 1
At least one alignment spring is attached to the housing for pushing an indicator on the base against a surface of the ceiling pan
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of hold down members on the ceiling pan capture the base and limit vertical movement of the lamp assembly with respect to the ceiling pan
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly includes a lamp alignment assembly for positioning the lamps after the lighting assembly is installed. The lighting assembly includes a ceiling pan for mounting to the ceiling support and a lamp assembly attached to the ceiling pan. The lamp assembly is adjustable in a transverse and rotational direction with respect to the ceiling pan. The lamp assembly is provided with alignment springs to align the lamp assembly at predetermined settings. A sight window is formed in the ceiling to visually set the lamp assembly in a selected position. A locking member on the lamp assembly locks the lamp assembly in a fixed position on the ceiling pan.