Magnetic Display Lighting Puck for Tool-Free Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems are often cumbersome, difficult to adjust, and require tools for modification, limiting flexibility and aesthetics, especially in applications like jewelry displays where inconspicuous and precise lighting is needed.
Innovation Solution
A low voltage lighting system featuring a magnetic puck that attaches to a frame with elongated power rails and a flexible electrical coupler, allowing for easy repositioning and orientation of lighting arrays without tools, using a magnetic force for attachment and a hot black oxide coating to prevent scratching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light fixtures are made conspicuous and large, then lighting intensity and visibility are improved, but aesthetics and inconspicuousness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate modular components: a puck module containing the light source and a separate lighting array. This segmentation allows the light source to be small and inconspicuous while the lighting array can be positioned to provide desired illumination without being visually prominent.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible electrical coupler acts as an intermediary between the puck module and the lighting array, allowing them to be positioned at optimal locations for both aesthetics and lighting performance without being constrained by rigid electrical connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If light fixtures are made heavy and cumbersome, then structural stability is improved, but ease of adjustment and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into lightweight modular components that can be easily moved and repositioned. The magnetic attachment mechanism provides sufficient holding force for stability while allowing simple attachment and detachment without tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems requiring tools are replaced with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic puck attaches to the frame magnetically, providing stable fixation during operation while enabling tool-free removal and repositioning for adjustment.
3Strength
If mechanical connectors are used for light fixtures, then connection strength is improved, but ease of installation and modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical connectors requiring tools for assembly are replaced with a magnetic connection system. The magnetic puck automatically attaches to the frame when brought into proximity, providing strong connection force without requiring screws, clips, or other mechanical fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection system is self-aligning and self-securing. When the puck is brought near the frame, the magnetic force automatically guides and secures the connection without requiring manual alignment or tool assistance, making installation trivial.
4Adaptability or versatility
If track lighting systems allow repeated movement and reattachment, then flexibility is improved, but track surface integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical attachment systems that require sliding, clipping, or screwing onto the track are replaced with magnetic attachment. The magnetic puck attaches to the frame without contacting or scratching the track surface, allowing repeated repositioning without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary attachment mechanism that does not require physical contact between the puck and the track surface. This eliminates direct mechanical contact that would cause scratching or marring while still providing secure attachment.
5Ease of operation
If base of fixture is rotatably mounted in single dimension, then adjustability is improved, but versatility of positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting array is mounted on a flexible electrical coupler that allows dynamic repositioning in multiple dimensions. Unlike fixed rotatable mounts, the flexible coupler enables the lighting array to be positioned at various angles and locations while maintaining electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional freedom by using a flexible electrical coupler instead of a fixed mechanical mount. This allows the lighting array to be positioned not just in a single rotational dimension but in multiple spatial dimensions, greatly increasing positioning versatility.
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 easy installation, servicing, and repositioning of lighting modules with minimal risk of damage, ensuring consistent power to the lighting array and maintaining aesthetics by preventing marring of the power rails.
Implementation Method 1
The module and light can be moved along the track by a user... the puck magnetically joinable with the frame... the puck and the lighting array to be distal from one another to provide suitable placement of each. The coupler can transfer power from the puck to the light array to illuminate the lighting elements when the puck is joined with the low voltage frame via a magnetic force.
Implementation Method 2
A hot black oxide coating can be included on the power rails to conceal them yet still protect them from marring and/or scratching due to movement of the puck along the frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system including a low voltage frame, a puck magnetically joinable with the frame, a lighting array, and an elongated electrical connector joining the puck and the lighting array. The puck can be selectively positioned along the low voltage frame in a variety of different locations. The puck can be constructed from a polymeric material molded over electrical connectors, and optionally a power feed, such as a cable jack. The electrical connectors can be magnetized so that the electrical connectors are magnetically attracted to power rails on the low voltage frame to establish electrical coupling of the connectors to the power rails, while physically securing the puck in a fixed location along the low voltage frame. The power rails can be constructed from magnetic stainless steel, optionally coated with black oxide from a hot black oxide coating process.