Linear Light Fixture Conduit Access via Integrated Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light fixture configurations face design constraints due to the need for conduit access, particularly in fixed ceiling mounts, where canopies can impose limitations on design and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A linear light fixture assembly with a linear conduit structure that provides a flush mount configuration, allowing for elongate conduit passages with aligned longitudinal axes to access power lines behind the ceiling, enabling power delivery to light sources without the need for canopies, using opposed surfaces and junction structures for secure and compliant conduit access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional canopy is used to cover the ceiling access point, then the conduit network can be protected and power lines can be delivered, but the light fixture design is constrained and the aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit accessVSAvoidfixture design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is merged with the conduit structure into a single integrated component. The mounting structure includes both the mounting elements for securing the fixture and the conduit elements for receiving and directing power lines, eliminating the need for separate canopy and conduit components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting for the fixture, protects the conduit passage, delivers power lines from the ceiling, and maintains aesthetic appearance. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional separate components (canopy, conduit, mounting bracket).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a canopy is used to cover the ceiling access point, then power line delivery is enabled, but the light fixture profile must be larger and flush mounting becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower line deliveryVSAvoidfixture profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit passage is nested within the mounting structure itself. The power lines travel through a passage formed inside the mounting structure, allowing the conduit function to be contained within the existing mounting component without adding external protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If a traditional conduit network is used, then power lines can be delivered according to building codes, but additional components (canopy, junction box) increase the overall fixture complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding code complianceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11384927B2Conduit access for light fixtures

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 AXIS LIGHTING

AI summary

A linear light fixture assembly comprises a linear housing structure with a linear mounting region, the linear mounting region including an exposed passage having a first lateral dimension and configured to be secured to a ceiling mounting structure on a ceiling, the ceiling mounting structure having a second lateral dimension, and a linear conduit structure having opposed surfaces which are spaced by a third lateral dimension, wherein the linear housing structure and/or the linear conduit structure are configured so that the first, second/or and third lateral dimensions enable the linear conduit structure to extend past the ceiling mounting structure into the exposed passage to deliver power to one or more light sources to be located in the housing.