Locking Clips for Traffic Signal Lamp Assembly Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent replacement of LED lamp kits in traffic signals requires technicians to frequently deal with screw-fastened mounting brackets, making the process difficult and time-consuming, especially in challenging outdoor conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of locking clips that securely attach a lamp assembly to the traffic signal housing, allowing for easy installation and removal without tools, using a combination of hinged, sliding, or rotatable mechanisms to lock and unlock the lamp assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-fastened mounting brackets are used to secure the lamp assembly, then the lamp assembly is securely retained in the housing, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and complex requiring tools and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into a fixed portion attached to the housing and a movable locking portion that can be independently actuated. This allows the lamp assembly to be securely retained when locked while enabling quick release by moving only the locking portion without removing the entire bracket or using tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket transitions from a static screw-fastened design to a dynamic design where the locking portion can move between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic capability allows the bracket to provide secure retention during normal operation while enabling quick tool-free replacement when needed.
2Strength
If traditional mounting brackets require screws and tools for attachment, then secure fastening is achieved, but the replacement process becomes difficult especially in challenging outdoor conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed to be self-sufficient with the locking portion providing automatic engagement and retention. The bracket serves its own fastening function without requiring external tools or screws, maintaining strong attachment while simplifying the replacement process to a simple manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw and tool-dependent fastening mechanism is extracted and replaced with a direct mechanical locking system. The locking portion provides the necessary fastening strength through its design while eliminating the complexity of screws, tool requirements, and multiple attachment steps.
3Reliability
If LED lamp kits are frequently replaced every 3-5 years, then outdated kits are updated, but the frequent need to deal with screw-fastened brackets makes maintenance cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with the movable locking portion that enables quick release. This preliminary design feature anticipates future maintenance needs, allowing technicians to perform frequent LED kit replacements quickly without having to learn or carry special tools, thus reducing the time loss associated with regular updates.
4Ease of repair
If technicians work in awkward positions in crane buckets that sag and sway, then traffic signals can be maintained on-site, but simple operations become more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket's locking portion is designed to be self-operating through simple manual movement. This eliminates the need for tools and complex procedures, allowing technicians to quickly secure or release lamp assemblies even while working in unstable, awkward positions in crane buckets, thus maintaining ease of repair despite challenging conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Locking clips are provided for attaching a lamp assembly in a traffic signal housing. The clips use a fixed first portion and a movable second portion. The second portion locks to the first portion or to the housing itself and retains an edge of the lamp assembly, holding it in a window of the housing. Foldable/hinged interlocking clips are provided. Other alternatives include slidable clips that engage a fixed element on the housing (e.g. a fixed pin, or a trough in the housing wall), and rotatable clips that engage a fixed element on the housing (e.g. a fixed pin, or a trough in the housing wall). The clips may be part of a retaining system or a traffic signal. Optional lower holders may also be provided. The invention also includes a method for replacing a lamp assembly in a traffic signal housing with at least one locking clip.