Modular valance fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valance lighting fixtures for retail stores are often cumbersome and costly to manufacture and assemble, with limited flexibility in orientation and support, which can affect the uniformity and effectiveness of lighting displays.
Innovation Solution
A modular valance fixture design featuring elongated light fixtures with a channel frame, powered components, and a diffuser, supported by telescopic support arms with identical components oriented differently to provide left-handed or right-handed support, allowing for efficient assembly and reduced manufacturing burdens while offering flexible lighting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional valance lighting fixtures are used, then lighting function is provided, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valance lighting fixture is divided into modular components: support arms with adjustable mechanisms, channel frames, and interchangeable end caps. Each module can be manufactured independently and assembled in different configurations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are designed with universal mounting mechanisms that can accommodate different orientations (left-handed and right-handed configurations) and support various channel frame lengths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized parts, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed orientation support structures are used, then structural stability is achieved, but flexibility in lighting configuration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms incorporate adjustable mechanisms including rotatable joints and telescopic sections that allow the structure to adapt to different lighting configurations. These dynamic elements enable left-handed or right-handed orientations and various arm positions while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture design includes asymmetric components such as left-handed and right-handed end caps with corresponding support arm orientations. This asymmetry provides flexibility in configuring lighting for different display arrangements while each asymmetric component maintains its own structural stability through precise geometric design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different support components are used for left and right orientations, then proper orientation support is achieved, but manufacturing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs asymmetric support arms and end caps where left-handed and right-handed versions are created through mirror imaging of the same base design. This approach provides the necessary orientation-specific functionality while maintaining manufacturing efficiency by using a single template design that can be produced in two orientations rather than completely different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm mechanism is designed as a universal component that can function in both left-handed and right-handed configurations through adjustable orientation features. This multi-functional design allows a single support arm type to replace what would traditionally require two different support arm designs, reducing manufacturing burden while maintaining full orientation support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular valance fixture includes at least one elongated light fixture including a channel frame having a first end and a second end and to which a plurality of lights are mounted. At least two identical bases each have a distal end and a mounting end that mounts to a wall. At least two identical sleeves each include a slide end that telescopically receives the distal end of one of the bases, a distal end and a tube having a first side and a second side. Each of the at least two identical sleeves are oriented to either act as a left-handed support or as a right-handed support for the at least one elongated light fixture. The first side of each tube of the identical sleeves includes a cutout that faces one of the first and the second ends of the channel frame of the light fixture.