Multi-Axis Light Head Assembly With Fastener-Less Retainer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light head assemblies are cumbersome to transport and costly, often requiring multiple heads for different lighting scenarios, and prior art retainers are inefficient during shipping and disrupt visual appeal.

Innovation Solution

A light assembly system with adhesive mounting and fastener-less retainers that securely couple light heads to an enclosure, allowing for multi-axis lighting and synchronized control, using a common PCB with LEDs for near and far field illumination, and dynamic power adjustment to prevent exceeding power limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light heads are used to illuminate different scenes (near field and far field), then illumination versatility is improved, but device complexity and transportation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single light head that performs multiple lighting functions by integrating both near field and far field illumination capabilities into one device. The light head includes a first light source with optics for near field illumination and a second light source with different optics for far field illumination, allowing one universal light head to replace multiple specialized light heads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple light sources and optical systems into a single integrated light head assembly. The first light source, second light source, and their respective optical components are merged into one unified structure that can be mounted as a single unit, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light heads are used for different scenes, then illumination versatility is improved, but transportation ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination versatilityVSAvoidtransportation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a universal light head that can handle both near field and far field illumination, the system reduces the number of light heads that need to be transported and installed. Users only need to transport and work with one type of light head rather than multiple specialized ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If snapping clips/retainers are used to hold light heads, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability during shipping deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidreliability during shipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is divided into multiple independent clips that can individually engage with corresponding features on the light head. This segmentation allows each clip to provide localized retention force, distributing the securing load across multiple points rather than relying on a single retention mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the light head and the mounting structure. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies assembly while maintaining secure attachment during shipping through its multi-clip design that engages with corresponding features on both the light head and mounting surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If snapping clips/retainers are used to hold light heads, then ease of assembly is improved, but visual appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidvisual appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer clips are designed to be concealed or minimized in appearance, extracting the functional retention elements from the visible aesthetic portion of the assembly. The clips engage with hidden features on the light head and mounting structure, keeping the retention mechanism out of sight while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system provides a compact, aesthetically pleasing, and efficient lighting solution with synchronized light patterns, ensuring reliable attachment and reduced maintenance, while optimizing power usage across multiple light sources.

Implementation Method 1

The first light source includes a first optical axis that is normal to the printed circuit board. The second light source includes a second optical axis that is at a second angle, the second angle being oblique to the first angle of the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The first light section includes a first reflector, and a second reflector. The second light section includes a third reflector, a fourth reflector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The second light section includes a third reflector, a fourth reflector, a collimator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 4

The second light section includes a third reflector, a fourth reflector, a collimator, and two or more diamond optical reflectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal Internal Reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260043532A1System and method for work and scene lighting
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY
  • US20260043532A1 patent drawing
  • US20260043532A1 patent drawing
  • US20260043532A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are directed toward a light head including two or more different optical axes. A first optical axis may correspond to a near field lighting area and the second optical axis may correspond to a far field lighting area. The light head may be positioned within a retainer to couple the light head to an enclosure. The retainer may include one or more gripping components to secure movement of the light head in at least three directions and also provide opposing spring forces to block rotational movement of the light head.