Linear Luminaire Coupling Plates for Straight, Removable Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear luminaire systems face difficulties in easy installation, removal, and maintaining a tight fit between channels, making it complicated to replace or repair individual luminaires without disturbing the entire system.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising elongate channels with slots and apertures, using a coupling arrangement with slidable fixings and a spring member with projections to provide self-locking functionality, allowing channels to be easily connected and disconnected while ensuring a straight and tight fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mounting brackets and additional pins are used to hold channels together, then the channels can be connected in a straight line, but it becomes difficult and complicated to remove individual luminaires for replacement or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is divided into a first coupling part on one luminaire and a second coupling part on the adjacent luminaire. These segmented coupling parts can be easily connected and disconnected, allowing individual luminaires to be removed for repair while maintaining straight line alignment when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the coupling parts can be easily engaged and disengaged. This dynamic design allows the connection to be flexible during installation/maintenance while providing stability during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If longer coupling parts are used to control how straight two channels can be made, then alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into first and second coupling parts that interface between adjacent luminaires. This segmentation allows for simplified individual components that collectively achieve straight line alignment without requiring a single complex long coupling part.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts are designed to perform multiple functions: providing straight line alignment, enabling easy connection and disconnection, and maintaining structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If channels are held together with vertical end surfaces face-to-face, then a tight fit can be achieved, but the ease of operation for connecting and disconnecting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement provides a dynamic connection mechanism that transitions between connected and disconnected states. The first and second coupling parts can be easily engaged to achieve a tight fit with vertical end surfaces face-to-face, and easily disengaged when needed for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts act as intermediary elements between the vertical end surfaces of adjacent channels. These intermediaries facilitate the connection by providing a mechanism that achieves tight fit while allowing for easy operation during connection and disconnection.
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 coupling and decoupling of channels, allowing for the removal of faulty luminaires without disturbing others, and provides a high-efficiency straight coupling mechanism, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member having first and second sprung projections for projecting into the apertures of two adjacent channels
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A connection system for a linear lighting system has channels of adjacent luminaires coupled together by a coupling arrangement having a first plate, a second plate and fixings for clamping the first and second plates around wall portions of the two channels. The fixings are slidable along slots so that the coupling arrangement can be slid into an operable position or to an out-of-the way position for disassembly. One of the first and second plates comprises a spring member having sprung projections for projecting into the apertures, to provide an automatic clamping function when the coupling arrangement is tightened. For example, there may be an outer coupling plate and an inner spring plate which forms the spring member.