Modular Light Fixture Alignment With Retracting Lanyards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Installation of suspended modular light fixtures in a continuous, aligned arrangement is difficult and requires considerable skill, especially when aiming for an aesthetically pleasing, seamless appearance.
Innovation Solution
A lighting assembly with modular light fixtures equipped with a retractor having a lanyard and a spring mechanism that applies tensioning force to align and abut fixtures along a longitudinal axis, using a flexible line or threaded metal cable to facilitate easy installation and create a flush, seamless appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular light fixtures are arranged end-to-end to provide continuous light, then the lighting coverage and flexibility are improved, but the installation difficulty and skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping each modular light fixture with a retractor mechanism and extending lanyard before installation. During installation, the lanyards are simply connected between adjacent fixtures, and the retractor mechanisms automatically perform the alignment and pulling functions, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures and skilled installation work.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor mechanisms enable the light fixtures to self-align and self-position during installation. When the lanyards are connected between adjacent fixtures, the retractor mechanisms automatically reel in the lanyards and pull the fixtures into proper alignment, allowing the system to perform its own alignment function without requiring external alignment tools or skilled manual intervention.
2Strength
If fastening hardware is used to join adjacent light fixtures, then the structural connection is improved, but the installation complexity and skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex fastening hardware and manual alignment procedures from the installation process. Instead of using traditional fastening hardware that requires precise alignment and skilled installation, the invention uses simple lanyard connections combined with automated retractor mechanisms that perform the alignment and connection functions automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment and fastening system with an automated mechanical system. The retractor mechanisms convert the simple act of connecting lanyards into an automated alignment and positioning process, substituting complex manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system that performs alignment and connection simultaneously.
3Shape
If light fixtures are positioned to abut in contiguous relation for aesthetic appearance, then the visual appearance is improved, but the installation precision and skill requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lanyards as intermediary elements between adjacent light fixtures. These lanyards serve as both connection elements and alignment guides, providing a visible reference that facilitates precise positioning. The retractor mechanisms then use these intermediaries to automatically pull the fixtures into exact abutting relation, achieving precise contiguous positioning without requiring high installation precision skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended lanyards provide visible alignment aids that can be seen during installation, allowing installers to visually track the positioning and alignment of adjacent fixtures. This visual feedback mechanism ensures that fixtures are positioned correctly to achieve the desired contiguous appearance without requiring complex measurement or alignment procedures.
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 retractor system simplifies the installation process by providing a visible alignment aid and ensuring fixtures are aligned and abutted seamlessly, reducing installation complexity and achieving a uniform, aesthetically pleasing structure.
Implementation Method 1
the retractor can be configured to produce a recoiling action that is applied to the lanyard tending to pull or retract the lanyard along the longitudinal alignment axis. To produce the recoiling action, the lanyard can include a spring mechanism such as a spiral torsion spring or a helical coil spring that applies a tensioning force to the lanyard.
Implementation Method 2
the tensioning force applied to the lanyard draws the abutment ends of the opposing traverse edges of the first and second fixtures into contiguous adjoining contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting arrangement is assembled from a plurality of modular light fixtures that are sequentially aligned along a longitudinal alignment axis. Each modular light fixture includes an exterior cover that is disposed about and define an interior. The exterior covers of a first modular light fixture and an adjoining second modular light fixture are co-planar to appear as a homogenous exterior surface. To facilitate moving the first and modular light fixtures together, a lanyard is extended from a retractor located in the interior of the first modular light fixture and engages a catch located in the interior of the second modular light fixture. The retractor applies a tension force to the lanyard drawing the modular light fixtures together.