Illuminated Mirror Battery Mounting for Tool-Free Bathroom Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing an illuminated bathroom mirror with a mains power supply is costly and time-consuming due to the need for cabling and electrical expertise, as building regulations restrict the provision of mains power sockets in bathrooms.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated mirror with a self-contained power supply featuring a rechargeable battery unit and bi-stable mechanism for easy mounting and removal, along with a splash-resistant seal, allowing for tool-free installation and concealed integration within the mirror frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mains power supply is used for illuminated mirror, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to cabling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into separate functional modules: a rechargeable battery unit housed in a removable power supply unit, and a mounting structure integrated into the mirror frame. This segmentation allows the power supply to be installed without complex cabling, as the battery unit can be simply inserted and secured into the mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is extracted as a self-contained module that can be installed independently of the mirror assembly. The battery and electrical connector are housed together in a removable unit that interfaces with the mirror frame through a standardized mounting structure, eliminating the need for permanent electrical installations.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If mains power supply with cabling is installed, then continuous power is provided, but installation time and cost increase due to tiling and wiring work
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is designed as a pre-assembled module containing the battery, electrical connector, and mounting interface. This preliminary preparation allows the installer to simply insert the complete unit into the mirror frame without performing complex installation tasks such as routing cables through walls or connecting electrical wiring.
3Ease of operation
If power supply unit is made removable for easy installation, then installation ease is improved, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector and mechanical mounting structure are merged into a single integrated component. When the power supply unit is inserted into the mirror frame, the same physical action simultaneously establishes both the mechanical attachment and the electrical connection, ensuring that connection reliability is maintained while preserving ease of installation and removal.
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 cost-effective, hassle-free installation of illuminated mirrors in bathrooms by eliminating the need for cabling and electrical expertise, with a battery life of forty hours or more using lithium-ion batteries and a splash-resistant design suitable for bathroom environments.
Implementation Method 1
the fastener comprises a bi-stable mechanism arranged to secure the power unit to the mounting when the power unit is pushed once into the mounting and to release the power unit from the mounting when the power unit is pushed once more into the mounting
Implementation Method 2
One or more of said electrical contacts may comprise a spring
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
A power supply is described for an illuminated mirror, the power supply comprising a power unit (1), a mounting (2) on which the power unit may be releasably mounted, and an electrical connection for connecting the power unit to a lighting circuit for an illuminated mirror. An illuminated mirror is also described which comprises such a power supply and one or more lamps.