Line Illumination Coupling for Minimal Trunk Gaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination systems for line illumination fail to provide a complete gap-free interconnection between adjacent trunks due to play and deformation, resulting in visible gaps that affect the look and feel of the system.
Innovation Solution
A coupling member with a first coupling portion fixed to one trunk and a second coupling portion engaging with an adjacent trunk, utilizing a tensioning flange and tension screw to minimize the gap by applying a continuous tension force, ensuring a minimal and long-lasting gap between trunks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coupling members interconnect adjacent elongated trunks using clamping or pin-hole locking mechanisms, then the trunks can be connected in line, but play and deformation occur between the coupling members and trunks, resulting in visible intermediate gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member incorporates a resilient portion that can deform elastically to accommodate variations in trunk dimensions and maintain continuous contact. This dynamic adaptation eliminates play and deformation gaps while preserving the interconnection capability, achieving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion changes its physical state from a relaxed configuration to a compressed or tensioned state, altering its dimensional parameters to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and wear. This parameter change ensures minimal gap distance while maintaining the interconnection function.
2Ease of manufacture
If coupling members are used to connect adjacent trunks, then the trunks can be assembled together, but deformation occurs over time, leading to increased gap distance
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion is pre-configured to provide cushioning force that compensates for future deformation and wear. This beforehand cushioning maintains gap stability over time while preserving the initial assembly capability, as the resilient material continuously adapts to dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion automatically adjusts to dimensional changes and wear without external intervention, maintaining minimal gap distance throughout the service life. This self-service mechanism ensures long-term gap stability while keeping the assembly simple and maintenance-free.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to eliminate gaps between trunks, then the gap distance is minimized initially, but the system becomes sensitive to play and deformation, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient portion changes its physical parameters (compression, tension, deformation) in response to dimensional variations, maintaining minimal gap distance while absorbing play and deformation. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures both manufacturing precision and interconnection 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
The solution achieves a minimal and nearly invisible gap between trunks by maintaining proper alignment and preventing play or deformation, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and durability of the illumination system.
Implementation Method 1
the second coupling portion arranged in setting a gap distance between the two elongated trunks between a first configuration, wherein the gap distance is extant and a second configuration, wherein the gap distance is minimal, by imparting a tension force on the further elongated trunk in a longitudinal direction towards the first elongated trunk
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
In order to provide an illumination system for line illumination with a minimal intermediate gap between adjacent elongated trunks, which gap is maintained minimal over length of time, a coupling member is implemented and arranged for longitudinally connecting the elongated trunk in line with an adjacent further elongated trunk thereby forming a self-sustained trunked illumination system, with the coupling member having a first coupling portion to be fixed with the elongated trunk at its second trunk end portion thereof, as well as a second coupling portion structured to engage with the adjacent further elongated trunk at its first trunk end portion, the second coupling portion arranged in setting a gap distance between the two elongated trunks between a first configuration, wherein the gap distance is extant and a second configuration, wherein the gap distance is minimal, by imparting a tension force on the further elongated trunk in a longitudinal direction towards the first elongated trunk.