Lighting Track Connector Geometry for Straight and Curved Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting track connectors lack versatility and efficiency, particularly in accommodating both straight and curved tracks, and do not provide a seamless integration with different electrical circuits.
Innovation Solution
A lighting assembly connector with a casing designed to fit both straight and curved tracks, featuring a middle section with a greater average width than end sections, and including a plurality of electrical contacts and fasteners for secure and efficient electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is designed to fit both straight and curved tracks, then versatility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector casing is designed with a tapered geometry that allows it to universally fit both straight and curved lighting tracks. The middle section has a greater average width than the end sections, creating a tapered shape that can accommodate the varying geometries of different track types, enabling one connector design to serve multiple track configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the casing have different width characteristics - the middle section has a greater average width while the end sections have smaller widths. This local variation in dimensions allows the connector to adapt to different track geometries locally, with the wider middle section accommodating curved portions and the narrower end sections fitting into straight portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical contacts are provided for different circuits, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates multiple electrical contacts (first, second, third, and fourth contacts) that can interface with different electrical circuits including power lines and control lines. This multi-functional electrical interface allows the same connector design to work with various circuit configurations and control systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the casing length is equal to or greater than width, then stability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing has an asymmetric dimensional relationship where the length is equal to or greater than the width, creating a stable longitudinal configuration when installed in the track. This asymmetric geometry provides stability along the track length while the tapered cross-section (wider middle, narrower ends) facilitates easier insertion and removal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly connector is configured for being inserted into a lighting track. The lighting assembly connector includes a casing having a width defining a lateral direction and a length defining longitudinal direction. The length is greater than or equal to the width. The casing is definable as including three sections each defining one-third of the length. The three sections include a middle section, a first end section including a first longitudinal end of the casing and a second end section including a second longitudinal end of the casing. The middle section has a greater average width than each of the first end section and the second end section. The lighting assembly connector also includes a plurality of electrical contacts extending out of the casing each configured for contacting a respective line of the lighting track; and at least one fastener connected to the casing configured for removably connecting the lighting assembly connector to the lighting track.