Lighting Fitting Ratchet Cable Tie Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of light fittings in panels are time-consuming and often require damaging the cup or panel, making them impractical.
Innovation Solution
A light fitting design featuring a ratchet mechanism with a cable tie that allows for quick installation and removal by adjusting the distance between flange arrangements, enabling secure fixing and easy access to the tensioned cable tie from one side of the panel without damaging the box or panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional installation methods are used to secure light fittings in panels, then the light fitting can be firmly fixed, but the installation time becomes excessively long and removal requires damaging the panel or cup
Solution Approach 1:
The light fitting is divided into separable components: a box unit and a lamp unit that can be independently installed and removed. The cable tie mechanism is also segmented, allowing the lamp to be quickly detached from the box without removing the entire fixture from the panel, significantly reducing installation and maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tie incorporates a ratchet mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment and locking of the distance between flange arrangements. This enables quick installation by simply tightening the cable tie through the ratchet, which automatically locks in place without requiring complex fastening procedures or excessive installation time
2Ease of repair
If traditional removal methods are used, then the light fitting can be completely removed, but the cup or panel must be damaged in the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the lamp unit from the box unit, allowing the lamp to be removed independently without affecting the box or panel structure. The cable tie mechanism enables this separation while preserving the integrity of permanent components, eliminating the need to damage the panel during removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tie is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily cut or broken to release the locking mechanism. This disposable element absorbs the removal action, allowing the expensive and permanent panel structure to remain intact while the cable tie is simply discarded after use
3Stability of the object's composition
If the light fitting is securely fixed using traditional methods, then stable installation is achieved, but the components become difficult to access for maintenance or electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp unit is separated from the box unit, with the lamp containing electrical connectors accessible from the front. This segmentation allows the lamp to be quickly swapped for maintenance without disturbing the securely installed box, maintaining both stability and ease of maintenance access
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tie acts as an intermediary locking mechanism that secures the lamp to the box while allowing easy access to electrical connectors on the box side. The ratchet mechanism provides stable fixation through the cable tie, while the separated units ensure that maintenance operations can access different components from appropriate sides without compromising overall stability
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 rapid and non-destructive installation and removal of light fittings, reducing installation time and preserving the integrity of the panel and box, while allowing access to electrical connectors without destructive encroachment.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet mechanism arranged so as to prevent a relative movement between 1. the cable tie, and 2. a part of the light fitting
Implementation Method 2
a cable tie... where a distance between the primary flange arrangement and the secondary flange arrangement can be reduced via the ratchet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A light fitting (830) is presented for installation in a panel (822) where the light fitting comprises a box (820) comprising of a cavity (832) arranged to encircle a light source, where the light fitting is arranged in such a way that the light source can be accessed from a first side (834) of the panel after installation, a ratchet comprising a cable tie (838) and a ratchet mechanism (840) arranged to prevent a relative movement between the cable tie and a part of the light fitting, such as the remaining part of the light fitting that does not cover the cable tie in at least one direction, a primary flange arrangement (842) to sit flush against a first side of the panel, a secondary flange arrangement (844) to sit flush against a second side of the panel, where a distance (846) between the primary flange arrangement and the secondary flange arrangement can be reduced by means of the ratchet and/or where the light fitting can be installed in the panel as a result of the ratchet mechanism locking the relative distance between the primary flange arrangement and the secondary flange arrangement and where the light fitting is arranged in such a way that a tensioned part of the cable tie is accessible from a first side of the panel after installation.