Luminaire Joint Assembly With Rotatable Hinges and Single-Cable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of suspended luminaires is complicated by the need for multiple power drops and predetermined arrangements, which can lead to aesthetic and functional issues due to the inability to adjust the orientation and arrangement of luminaires after installation.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly that allows multiple luminaires to be connected using a single power cable, featuring a pin with a bore for power distribution and rotatable hinges for adjustable orientations, simplifying installation and enabling post-installation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple luminaires are connected separately with individual power drops, then each luminaire can be independently powered, but the installation complexity increases and aesthetic appeal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power drops into a single shared power cable that connects to a central power distribution unit. This power distribution unit then distributes power to multiple luminaires through individual cable channels, reducing the overall number of power drops from the ceiling while maintaining independent power supply to each luminaire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power distribution unit as an intermediary component between the ceiling and multiple luminaires. This unit receives power through a single cable and distributes it to multiple luminaires through integrated cable channels, acting as a mediator that simplifies the power distribution system.
2Ease of operation
If luminaires are fixed in predetermined positions, then installation is straightforward, but flexibility for adjustments after installation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates rotatable hinges at the connection points between the power distribution unit and luminaires. These hinges allow the luminaires to be rotated and repositioned to different orientations and angles after installation, providing dynamic adjustability while maintaining a stable connection mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple suspension cables are used for multiple luminaires, then each luminaire can be independently suspended, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple suspension cables into a single shared suspension cable that connects to the power distribution unit. The luminaires are then suspended from this single cable through the power distribution unit's structure, reducing the visual clutter of multiple cables while maintaining independent suspension capability for each luminaire.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly for luminaires is provided. The joint assembly includes a pin having at least one pin section with an upper opening, a side opening, and a bore connecting the upper opening and the side opening. The upper opening is configured to receive at least one power cable to feed through the bore and out the side opening. The joint assembly also includes a primary hinge having a primary vertical base and a plurality of primary knuckles extending from the vertical base, wherein a distal portion of the knuckles has a hole for engaging the pin. The joint assembly also includes at least one secondary hinge having a secondary vertical base and a plurality of secondary knuckles extending from the vertical base, wherein a distal portion of the knuckles has a hole for engaging the pin.