Marine Deck Light Fixture with Integrated Waterproof Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel and RV lighting solutions require complex wiring installations that are not secure or waterproof, posing challenges in freshwater or saltwater environments and necessitating tools for connection.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture with a cylindrical base and integrated connector system featuring external threads, a secure ring, and Deutsch connectors for tool-free, quick, and waterproof installation, allowing for easy mounting with a secure electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wiring installation methods are used for marine vessel lighting, then adequate lighting can be provided, but the installation becomes complex and requires tool-based wiring splicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light fixture housing and electrical connector into a single integrated unit. The connector is built into the base of the light fixture, eliminating the need for separate wiring splicing operations. This merging of functions allows the light to be installed by simply connecting the integrated connector to the vessel's electrical system, greatly simplifying installation while maintaining adequate lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture is designed with a universal connector that can be directly mated to standard marine electrical systems. This multi-functional design allows the same fixture to be installed on various marine vessels without requiring custom wiring adaptations, reducing installation complexity across different applications while providing consistent lighting performance.
2Reliability
If traditional wiring connections are used in marine environments, then lighting can be provided, but the connections may not be secure or waterproof
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the connector directly into the light fixture housing, the patent creates a unified assembly where the electrical connection points are protected within the sealed housing structure. This integration ensures that the connection maintains the same level of waterproof protection as the rest of the fixture, eliminating weak points that would occur with separate wiring connections in marine environments.
3Loss of time
If integrated light and connector systems are used, then quick and tool-free installation is achieved, but the connector design must ensure secure waterproof connection
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the connector into the light fixture base creates a pre-assembled unit that requires no field assembly or tool-based connections. The connector is positioned and sealed during manufacturing, allowing for quick plug-and-play installation on the vessel while the manufacturing process ensures proper sealing and connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and its sealing components are pre-installed and pre-sealed to the light fixture during manufacturing before the fixture reaches the installation site. This preliminary action ensures that the waterproof connection is already established and tested, eliminating the need for complex field assembly operations while maintaining high connection reliability in marine environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture for mounting in a surface opening of a marine vessel or RV including a cylindrical base member having external threads, a light source disposed on a first end of the cylindrical base member and a light source cover having a cover opening for emitting light produced by the light source. The light fixture includes a cover rim extending radially outward from the light source cover and a first connector disposed on a second end of the cylindrical base member, the first connector having electrical connection pins inside a cavity. The first connector is engageable with a second connector. The second connector includes powered pins which electrically connect to the electrical connection pins to power the light source. The light fixture includes a securing ring having internal threads engageable with the cylindrical base member external threads, the cylindrical base member mountable the surface opening.