Modular Light Fixture With Universal Spiral Threading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures are costly and inefficient to produce due to the need for a large variety of combinations of light sources, adaptors, and trims, with the light source being the most expensive component and subject to extensive safety testing, while current modular assembly systems do not effectively address the complexity and cost of these combinations.
Innovation Solution
A modular light fixture system where a few light sources can be reversibly secured to multiple adaptors and trims using spiral threading connections, allowing for mechanical and water vapor-tight sealing, reducing production costs and testing requirements by enabling interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large variety of combinations of light sources, adaptors, and trims are produced to meet different application needs, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design with standardized threading patterns that allow a single light source to be compatible with multiple adaptors and trims. The connector is configured with external threading that can engage with various internal threading patterns in adaptors, creating a universal interface system that reduces the need for multiple specialized components while maintaining high adaptability across different fixture configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture system is divided into separate, interchangeable modules: a light source module with connector, multiple adaptor modules with different threading patterns, and trim modules. This segmentation allows independent production and combination of components, reducing overall system complexity while enabling versatile configurations through modular assembly
2Reliability
If extensive safety testing is performed on each combination of light sources, adaptors, and trims, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a universal connector system where the light source connector follows a standardized design, the patent enables safety testing to be performed once on the universal connector design rather than repeatedly on each specific combination. This universal interface approach maintains reliability through consistent testing while dramatically improving production efficiency by eliminating redundant testing requirements across multiple product variants
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular assembly system is implemented with reversible connections, then ease of manufacture and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional connector components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal connector design that serves multiple functions: mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and alignment guidance. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system by using a single standardized component rather than multiple specialized connectors, thereby improving ease of manufacture through standardized production processes while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 system reduces production costs and time by allowing a few light sources to be used with various adaptors and trims, minimizing the need for extensive safety testing and inventory, while ensuring mechanical and water vapor-tight connections, thus providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for a wide range of light fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of blades extending radially from the annular extension, the blades configured to facilitate heat exchange between the heat sink and an environment surrounding the heat sink by increasing a surface area of the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
The housing connector can comprise a housing spiral threading
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a light fixture comprising a light source. The light source has a housing terminating in a first end, and the housing has a housing connector proximate the first end. The housing also has a heat sink disposed inside the housing and a light emitter disposed inside the housing. The light emitter is positioned to allow a light emitted by the light emitter to exit the housing through the first end. The light source also has a connector in electrical communication with the light emitter. The housing connector is configured for reversibly securing the light source to one or more of: an adaptor reversibly securable to a trim configured for securing the light fixture to a substrate, and the trim.