Mounting Frame With Retractable Extensions For Ceiling Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling support grid systems face challenges in efficiently mounting and retrofitting light sources, louvers, and lenses without requiring extensive labor or removal of existing fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A mounting frame system with fixed and retractable extensions is designed to fit into ceiling support grid openings, allowing for easy installation and retrofitting of LED light sources, louvers, or lenses by laying fixed extensions on one flange and extending retractable extensions on another, enabling secure mounting without removing existing troffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used for ceiling support grids, then existing fixtures must be removed for installation, but this increases labor time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is designed to nest within the ceiling support grid opening, with retractable extensions that fold into the frame body during installation. This nested structure allows the fixture to be installed without removing existing troffers, as the mounting frame fits within the available space and the retractable extensions can be deployed after positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame incorporates retractable extensions that can dynamically change their configuration during installation. The extensions are retracted during the insertion phase to minimize profile, then extended after positioning to provide secure mounting. This dynamic behavior enables installation without removing existing fixtures, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
2Reliability
If secure mounting is achieved through fixed extensions only, then the mounting structure becomes rigid and difficult to install in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame is segmented into fixed extensions and retractable extensions as separate functional components. The fixed extensions provide stable mounting when deployed, while the retractable extensions can be temporarily retracted to simplify installation. This segmentation allows the system to switch between high security and low complexity states, resolving the contradiction between mounting security and installation complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing troffers are removed for retrofitting, then new light sources can be installed, but this increases labor requirements and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame acts as an intermediary component between the ceiling support grid and the new light source. It provides a secure mounting interface without requiring removal of existing troffers, thus enabling retrofitting while maintaining installation efficiency. The intermediary mounting frame absorbs the complexity of adaptation, allowing quick installation of new lighting fixtures.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described for a system for mounting a louver, a lens, or a rectangular or square light LED light source to a ceiling support grid. A mounting frame has at least one fixed flat extension extending from the first side and at least one retractable extension on a second side. The mounting frame is configured to be inserted into a grid opening and mounted to the grid and provide a frame for the mounting of a louver, a lens, or a rectangular or square light LED light source to the ceiling support grid.