Concealed Luminaire Connection System With Guide Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of light fixtures into larger arrays or patterns is time-consuming and difficult, especially when multiple fixtures need to be joined, and existing systems often result in visible fasteners, gaps, or uneven alignments.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising an inner and outer joining member with guide surfaces and flanges/recesses that slide together, providing a concealed, seamless, and uniformly aligned joint, using a securing member to ensure proper orientation and alignment without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional connection systems are used to join light fixtures, then the fixtures can be connected together, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and difficult, and visible fasteners, gaps, or uneven alignments result
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate inner and outer joining members that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together, allowing for modular assembly of light fixtures without complex integrated components
Solution Approach 2:
The inner joining member is nested within the outer joining member, with the inner member fitting inside the outer member's cavity. This nested structure allows both components to work together while maintaining a compact profile and concealing the connection mechanism
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening methods are used, then light fixtures can be connected, but visible fasteners and joint seams appear that compromise aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior of the connection system. Fasteners are hidden within the cavity of the outer joining member, while the exterior surfaces remain smooth and seamless for aesthetic purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The inner and outer joining members act as intermediary components that mediate the connection between light fixtures. These intermediaries conceal the actual fastening mechanism while providing the necessary structural connection
3Manufacturing precision
If simple joining methods are used, then assembly is faster, but consistent, straight, and uniform alignment of joined fixtures cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Guide surfaces are pre-formed on the inner and outer joining members during manufacturing. These pre-formed guide surfaces automatically align the light fixtures when the joining members are assembled, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces enable the connection system to self-align the light fixtures during assembly. The geometry of the guide surfaces automatically ensures consistent, straight, and uniform alignment without requiring external alignment tools or manual adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A concealed connection system for a luminaire that includes an inner joining member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a first side surface having a first guide surface, and a second side surface having a second guide surface. An outer joining member having a top surface, a bottom surface, a base surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a first interior side surface opposite the first side surface having a first guide surface, and a second interior side surface opposite the second side surface having a second guide surface. The inner joining member may be slidably engaged along the guide surfaces onto the outer joining member, and the inner joining member may be secured to the outer joining member using a securing member.