Modular LED Lighting Fixtures with Snap-Fit Interconnects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smaller scale articulated lighting fixtures lack ease of assembly and installation, and interconnectability of modular units, limiting their adjustability and flexibility in lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular LED lighting fixture system comprising base and cover components with snap-fit connections, cylindrical interlocking mechanisms, and pin holders for easy assembly and interconnection, allowing for adjustable and flexible lighting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional lighting fixtures are used, then lighting function is provided, but assembly and installation are complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently manufactured and then easily connected together. Each module contains integrated components (LEDs, housing, connectors) that snap together using simple mechanical interfaces, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while maintaining full lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design incorporates self-aligning and self-securing mechanical features such as snap-fit connectors and interlocking geometries. These features enable the fixture to assemble itself without requiring specialized tools, technical expertise, or time-consuming adjustment procedures, thereby dramatically improving ease of assembly while reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting fixtures are used, then lighting function is provided, but interconnectability and adjustability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular lighting fixture employs universal connection interfaces and standardized mechanical features that enable any module to connect with any other module of the same type. This universality allows for flexible configuration, reconfiguration, and expansion of lighting systems to adapt to various spatial requirements and lighting needs without introducing complex specialized connectors or assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If modular design is implemented, then ease of assembly and interconnectability are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components incorporate localized quality features such as molded-in alignment pins, recesses, and tolerance-compensating geometries at critical connection points. These local features guide the assembly process and accommodate normal manufacturing variations, ensuring reliable snap-fit connections and proper module alignment without requiring extreme manufacturing precision across the entire component.
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 assembly, adjustability, and efficient installation of modular LED lighting units with improved thermal management and heat dissipation, providing small-scale lighting outputs with high lumens per foot and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
resilient tabs having a plurality of vertical ridges formed thereon... snap fittingly engage the resilient tabs on the base component
Implementation Method 2
cylindrical female receptacle and split male plug are so positioned, shaped, and dimensioned that the female receptacle of one base component snap fittingly engages or otherwise interlocks or interconnects with the split male plug
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative modular light fixture apparatus may comprise a plurality of modules, each having a base component and a cover component. The base component has a split vertical male plug positioned within a cylindrical recess, and a cylindrical female receptacle formed at an opposite end thereof. The cylindrical female receptacle and split male plug are so configured such that the female receptacle of one module will snap fittingly or otherwise interconnect with the split male plug of another module. The cover component has respective pairs of rectangular openings on first and second sides thereof configured to snap fittingly engage respective tabs on the sides of the base component as the cover component is pushed downwardly over the base component to thereby attach the cover component to the base component.