Landscape Lighting Fixture With Multi-Axis Knuckle Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing landscape lighting fixtures have limited installation options due to fixed attachment bases, lack of rotational movement, and require disconnection of electrical wires for ground stake installation, removal, or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis pivoting and rotating knuckle system with a base stem, base mount, and top stem that allows for full pivoting and rotational adjustments using a threaded bolt, and a ground stake design with wire slots and a rotating collar for connecting and disconnecting electrical wires without cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed threaded base stem is used for light fixture attachment, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability for different mounting configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a base stem with threaded portions for ground stake connection, a knuckle assembly with pivoting capability, and a mounting bracket system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling versatile configurations without requiring a completely complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The base stem is designed with multiple threaded portions that can engage with different ground stake configurations, and the knuckle assembly can pivot and rotate to accommodate various lighting directions. This multi-functionality allows a single attachment mechanism to handle multiple mounting scenarios, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If angle mounts are threadingly connected to a fixed base, then the connection is secure, but rotational movement is restricted and requires complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The knuckle assembly is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot relative to the base stem and rotate independently. This dynamic design allows smooth adjustment of the light fixture orientation without requiring complex locking and unlocking mechanisms, as the pivoting and rotational movements are inherent to the knuckle's geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting and rotational adjustment capabilities are merged into a single knuckle assembly that integrates both degrees of freedom. By combining these movements in one component rather than using separate adjustment mechanisms for each, the overall complexity is reduced while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of repair
If ground stakes are connected to light fixtures before running electrical wires, then the connection is stable, but installation and replacement require disconnecting electrical wires
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wire passage is segmented as a separate function from the mechanical ground stake connection. The base stem includes dedicated wire passage openings that allow wires to pass through independently of the ground stake attachment, enabling the ground stake to be connected or disconnected without affecting electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The base stem acts as an intermediary component that decouples the mechanical connection (ground stake attachment) from the electrical connection (wire passage). This intermediary design allows the ground stake to be replaced mechanically while electrical wires remain connected through the base stem's wire passages, eliminating the need to disconnect wires during replacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-axis pivoting and rotating knuckle system is implemented, then mounting flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knuckle system uses dynamic pivoting and rotational capabilities achieved through simple geometric designs rather than complex mechanical linkages. The pivoting is enabled through a pin connection between the base stem and knuckle, and rotation is enabled through a separate pin connection between the knuckle and mounting bracket, providing two degrees of freedom with minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds rotational freedom around a vertical axis in addition to the existing pivoting motion, creating a multi-axis system. This dimensional addition is achieved through a simple rotation mechanism on the knuckle that allows the mounting bracket to rotate relative to the base stem, thereby increasing mounting flexibility without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis pivoting knuckle for a light fixture that allows for pivoting the light fixture about a horizontal axis and rotating the light fixture about a vertical axis. A single tightening bolt can secure movement of the light fixture in both axes. Tightening the bolt compresses a face plate that secures a brake pad against a toothed neck around the vertical axis of rotation. Tightening the same bolt also compresses a top stem against a base mount to engage annular geared teeth on each. A ground stake has a slotted neck port for receiving a base stem with lugs on the pivoting knuckle. A rotating collar on the neck port can selectively block the slots on the neck port. A wire slot is provided through the ground stake, neck port, and rotating collar allowing for removal and insertion of connected electrical wires.