Outdoor Light Assembly with User-Replaceable Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor paver lights require the entire assembly to be removed from the hardscape for replacement, which disrupts the surrounding pavers and is inconvenient for maintenance and installation.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve-based outdoor light assembly with user-replaceable light fixture assemblies that can transition between secured and unsecured positions, allowing for easy removal and installation without disturbing the hardscape, using engagement structures and a power transfer element for secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire light assembly is removed from the hardscape for replacement, then the light fixture can be serviced or replaced, but the surrounding pavers are disrupted and installation/maintenance becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is divided into two separable components: a sleeve that remains embedded in the hardscape and a light fixture assembly that can be removed. The sleeve includes a receptacle with coupling structures that interface with engagement structures on the light fixture assembly, allowing the fixture to be detached without removing the sleeve from the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture assembly is extracted as a separate, removable component from the sleeve. This allows the fixture to be serviced or replaced independently while the sleeve remains installed in the hardscape, eliminating the need to disturb the surrounding pavers during maintenance.
2Reliability
If engagement structures are designed to securely hold the light fixture assembly, then the fixture remains stable and tripping hazards are prevented, but removal and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structures are designed with dynamic characteristics that provide strong holding force during normal use but allow for easy manual release. The complementary coupling structures between the sleeve and light fixture assembly create a secure mechanical interlock that prevents accidental disengagement while enabling controlled removal through applied force.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an outdoor light assembly to be disposed in a pathway or other hardscape area. The light assembly having a sleeve forming a receptacle having one or more coupling structures disposed in the receptacle and a user replaceable light fixture assembly being sized and shaped to transition between a secured position and an unsecured position relative to the receptacle. The light fixture assembly having one or more engagement structures that are complementary to the one or more coupling structures so as to inhibit, but not prevent, removal of the light fixture assembly from the sleeve when the light fixture assembly is in the secured position.