Hinged Luminaire Fixing Element with Single Thread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension assemblies for pendant luminaires require precise alignment and expensive manufacturing processes due to internal threads on both parts of the fixing element, making them fault-prone and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly with a fixing element comprising two separate parts connected via a hinge or snap-fit, where the threaded element is only on one part, allowing for easier alignment and manufacturing, and a rotatable fixing element that keeps the ceiling cup stationary during attachment, preventing damage to the ceiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal threads are provided on both separate parts of the fixing element, then the ceiling cup can be securely fixed to the ceiling, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal thread is extracted from one of the two separate parts of the fixing element. Only one part contains the internal thread, while the other part is threadless. This eliminates the need for precise thread alignment between two parts, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining secure fixation through the single internal thread connection to the suspension element.
2Reliability
If internal threads are provided on both separate parts of the fixing element, then the ceiling cup can be securely fixed to the ceiling, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal thread feature is extracted from one part, reducing the complexity of the mold and manufacturing process. Only one part requires thread formation, which simplifies the injection molding process and reduces tooling costs compared to requiring precise thread formation on both parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fixing element is made as a single piece with internal thread, then manufacturing is simpler, but the cable cannot be introduced without dismounting the terminal block or electric plug
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is segmented into two separate parts that can be assembled together. This segmentation creates a through-hole or opening in the assembled structure, allowing the cable with terminal block or electric plug to be introduced without dismounting these components. The two parts are connected via a hinge or snap-fit mechanism.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the fixing element is rotatable relative to the ceiling cup, then ceiling damage is prevented during installation, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed with rotational freedom relative to the ceiling cup during the attachment process. This dynamic capability allows the fixing element to be screwed onto the suspension element without forcing the ceiling cup against the ceiling at an incorrect angle, thereby preventing ceiling damage. The rotatable design is achieved through the hinge connection between the two separate parts.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention provides a suspension assembly for suspending a pendant luminaire from a ceiling (2), the suspension assembly comprising a suspension element (1) to be attached to the ceiling (2), comprising an external thread (12) and being configured for affixing a cable (4) or a cord of the pendant luminaire, a ceiling cup (7), and a fixing element (8) comprising a threaded element(16)with an internal thread (17) corresponding to the external thread (12) of the suspension element (1), the fixing element (8) being configured such that it affixes the ceiling cup (7) against the ceiling (2) when attaching the fixing element (8) to the suspension element (1) by mating the internal thread (17) of the threaded element (16) with the external thread (12) of the suspension element (1), wherein the fixing element (8) comprises two separate parts (14; ) that are releasably attachable to each other or two parts that are connected to each other via a hinge,and wherein the threaded element (16) is arranged only on one of the two parts (14; 15) of the fixing element (8).