Luminaire Interlock Arrangement with Deformable Locking Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaires with swivel members require additional components and tools for assembly, leading to complex construction and increased assembly time due to the need for threaded fasteners, glue, or other fastening devices.
Innovation Solution
A lamp support with a locking arrangement featuring a deformable portion that engages with a swivel assembly's interlock element, allowing for simple and quick connection and disconnection via a 'push-to-connect' mechanism, eliminating the need for additional components by using unidirectional passage through an aperture to shift from a removable to a securely locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded fasteners or glue are used to connect the swivel member to the lamp support, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement merges the connection function and locking function into a single integrated structure. The deformable portion is built-in to the lamp support, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, screws, or adhesive applications. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining secure connection through the elastic deformation mechanism that creates friction-based holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portion performs self-service by automatically deforming under insertion force and then maintaining the connection through its elastic recovery. The structure itself provides both the connection interface and the locking mechanism without requiring external fastening components or additional assembly steps beyond simple insertion.
2Strength
If threaded fasteners or glue are used to connect the swivel member to the lamp support, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable portion is pre-configured in the lamp support structure, ready to engage with the swivel member. The elastic properties are built-in beforehand, so that during assembly, only a simple insertion motion is needed. The locking action occurs automatically as the deformable portion deforms and recovers, eliminating time-consuming fastening operations like threading screws or applying and curing glue.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is self-actuating during assembly. As the swivel member is inserted, the deformable portion automatically deforms and then locks into place through its elastic recovery, creating a secure connection without requiring external intervention or multiple assembly steps. This self-service mechanism dramatically reduces assembly time while maintaining connection strength.
3Ease of operation
If a deformable portion is used in the locking arrangement, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solution changes the physical parameter of the deformable portion by selecting materials and geometries with appropriate elastic properties. The deformable portion is designed with specific thickness, curvature, and material characteristics that ensure sufficient elastic recovery force to maintain a reliable, rattle-free connection. This parameter optimization allows simple push-to-connect assembly while ensuring connection reliability through controlled elastic deformation and recovery.
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
Facilitates easy and rapid installation or replacement of swivel assemblies without additional components, providing a secure and stable connection that reduces 'rattle' or play, enhancing user convenience and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable portion (102a, 102b) mounted on an inner surface (121) of the lamp support (100)... the deformable portion being adapted to be movable relative to the inner surface (121) of the lamp support (100)
Implementation Method 2
At the second position, this cooperation prevents removal of the swivel member from the lamp support... providing a secure and stable connection that reduces 'rattle' or play
Data Source
AI summary
There is proposed a lamp support and corresponding connectable swivel assembly for a luminaire. The lamp support comprises a locking arrangement adapted to engage with the interlock element of the swivel assembly. The locking arrangement comprises a deformable portion mounted on a surface of the lamp support. The deformable portion is adapted to be movable relative to the surface of the lamp support so as to move from a first position, in which the swivel assembly is connectable to the locking arrangement so as to permit connection of the swivel member from the lamp support, to a second position, in which the locking arrangement cooperates with the interlock element to prevent removal of the swivel member from the lamp support.