Modular LED Lighting Assembly with Twist-and-Lock and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED lighting solutions for wet locations, such as agricultural barns, require complex installations and are not easily adaptable to existing incandescent fixtures, lacking efficient and tool-less installation methods, and often fail to prevent water accumulation within the fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A modular LED lighting system that includes a fluidically-sealed LED lamp with a heat sink and fan, capable of being retro-fitted into existing Edison sockets, featuring a twist-and-lock mechanism for tool-less installation and a junction box with side drains to prevent water accumulation, allowing for easy integration with existing fixtures without the need for additional attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wet location fixtures are used, then water-tight enclosure is achieved, but installation complexity increases and tool-less installation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into separate modular components including a socket adapter, LED light assembly, junction box, and enclosure. Each component can be independently installed and assembled, enabling tool-less twist-and-lock installation while maintaining water-tight seals at each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A socket adapter serves as an intermediary component that interfaces with existing Edison sockets and provides mounting structures for the LED assembly and junction box. This intermediary enables retro-fitting into existing fixtures without complex modifications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If LED retrofit solutions are implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but adaptability to existing fixtures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The socket adapter is designed with universal compatibility features including threaded exteriors that match standard Edison socket threads and internal structures that accommodate various LED bulb types. The junction box and enclosure system also provides universal mounting options for different fixture configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture allows the LED assembly to be separated from the mounting interface, enabling the same LED light engine to be adapted to different fixture types by simply changing the socket adapter or mounting configuration.
3Reliability
If complex installation methods are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional screw-based mechanical fastening systems are replaced with twist-and-lock bayonet-style coupling mechanisms. These provide secure mechanical interlocking and electrical contact through rotational engagement, eliminating the need for screws, nuts, or other fastening tools while maintaining reliable mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The twist-and-lock mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing, where the rotational motion automatically engages the locking features and establishes electrical connections without requiring additional fastening operations or tools.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional enclosure designs are used, then water-tight protection is achieved, but water accumulation prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The junction box incorporates dedicated drain ports that extract and channel condensed moisture away from the internal components. These drains are positioned at low points and connected to the exterior through water-tight fittings, actively removing accumulated water rather than relying solely on passive sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure design incorporates drainage channels and ports that utilize gravity-driven fluid flow to remove condensed moisture. The hydraulic design ensures continuous drainage capability while maintaining positive pressure seals at all penetrations to prevent water ingress.
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
The modular LED system provides a waterproof, efficient, and easy-to-install lighting solution for wet locations, capable of operating with low wattage sources like LEDs and CFLs, replacing multiple enclosure sizes with a single universal size, and ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a cover base including a heat sink, at least one LED light
Implementation Method 2
a cover base including a heat sink, at least one LED light, a control unit
Implementation Method 3
a substantially cylindrical central housing including: a fan, at least one intake port
Implementation Method 4
at least one drain configured to prevent the accumulation of water within the substantially cylindrical central housing
Implementation Method 5
a fluidically-sealed light component including: a cover base, at least one LED light
Implementation Method 6
at least one LED light
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a modular LED light, fixture body, junction box and sub assembly. The LED light has a unitary LED light component, a central housing and can be adapted to fit with existing sockets. Further additional twist and lock components are provided, including a twist and lock luminaire body. The LED light can be installed without tools, and can be easily replaced, and prevents the accumulation of water within the light.