Lighting Fixture Tool-Less Latch and Auxiliary Emergency Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing the primary light source in closed lighting fixtures is cumbersome, often requiring tools and can result in separation of parts, and conventional fixtures lack a backup light source for illumination when the primary source fails.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture design with a tool-less latch mechanism for accessing the primary light source and an auxiliary light source in a wall mount housing that activates when the primary source fails, featuring a main body with a socket, external reflector, and a secondary adjustable light source mounted on a movable bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed housing is used for the lighting fixture, then the fixture appearance is improved and protected, but accessing the light source becomes cumbersome and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The closed housing is segmented into a main body and a removable cover. The cover can be detached from the main body to provide access to the light source, while the main body remains intact and protected. This segmentation allows the fixture to maintain its protective closed structure while enabling easy access to internal components.
2Ease of operation
If a tool-less latch mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component system consisting of latches on the cover and corresponding receptacles on the main body. This extraction allows the latch mechanism to be designed specifically for tool-less operation without complicating the overall fixture structure, as the latch components are integrated into the cover and body rather than added as external accessories.
3Reliability
If no backup light source is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when the primary light source fails
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary light source is merged with the primary light source within the same fixture housing. Both light sources are positioned to illuminate through the same cover, allowing the auxiliary source to provide backup illumination without requiring a separate fixture or additional mounting structures. This merging maintains reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the auxiliary light source is fixed in position, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases for different lighting needs
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary light source is mounted on an adjustable bracket that allows it to be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic mounting system enables the auxiliary light source to be directed toward different areas as needed, providing adaptability for various lighting requirements while using a relatively simple bracket mechanism rather than a complex adjustment system.
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 efficient, tool-less access to the primary light source and provides a backup illumination solution when the primary source fails, ensuring continuous lighting without the need for additional tools or separate illumination sources.
Implementation Method 1
an external reflector for diffusing light that emerges from the fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture having a housing with a main body, and a primary light source disposed beneath a cover secured thereto with a latching mechanism. The light fixture may include a reflector suspended above the main body on a pair of struts. The latching mechanism is engaged by pivoting at least one exterior wall of the housing to provide tool-less access to the light source. In an alternative embodiment, the main body attaches to a mounting arm and a wall mount housing with a secondary adjustable light source.