Flat Panel Light Mounting Catches for Pivotable Back Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED flat panel lighting fixtures cannot be securely mounted to a mounting surface using traditional methods due to their design, where the lens is secured to the fixture, preventing the use of fasteners passing through the back.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a frame portion with tabs that insert into slots on the lighting fixture, allowing for secure attachment to a mounting surface while maintaining access to a junction box, and additional features like indexing tabs and locking slots for alignment and securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used to secure the lighting fixture to the mounting surface, then the mounting strength is improved, but the lens cannot be secured to the fixture because fasteners cannot pass through the back
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting frame that attaches to the mounting surface, and a lighting fixture that attaches to the mounting frame. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mounting frame provides secure attachment to the surface while the fixture provides the lighting function with its lens securely attached, resolving the contradiction between mounting strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame acts as an intermediary component between the mounting surface and the lighting fixture. It provides the mechanical strength for secure mounting to the surface while allowing the fixture to be easily attached and detached from the frame, thus resolving the contradiction by introducing a mediating element that separates the mounting function from the fixture attachment function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lens is secured to the fixture, then the fixture structure is improved, but traditional fastening methods cannot be used because fasteners cannot pass through the back
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the mounting function from the fixture structure. The fixture maintains its stable composition with the lens securely attached, while the mounting frame provides the fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the fixture structure to remain simple and stable without requiring complex modifications to accommodate traditional fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame serves multiple functions: it attaches to the mounting surface, provides structural support, and interfaces with the lighting fixture. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by consolidating mounting and support functions into a single component rather than requiring multiple separate elements.
3Ease of operation
If a mounting frame with tabs and slots is used, then the ease of mounting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs and slots are designed to self-align and self-secure during assembly. The tabs insert into the slots and automatically position the fixture correctly on the mounting frame without requiring precise alignment by the installer. This self-service mechanism greatly simplifies the mounting operation while keeping the structural complexity manageable through standardized geometric features.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments provide lighting fixture mounting kits for mounting a flat panel lighting fixture to a mounting surface. The lighting fixture mounting kits may comprise a mounting portion (e.g., a mounting plate) and a lighting fixture. The mounting portion may be secured relative to a mounting surface and may comprise mounting catches. The lighting fixture may be secured relative to the mounting portion, and may comprise fixture catches configured to selectably engage the mounting catches. The lighting fixture may be slidable relative to the mounting portion between an engaged configuration in which the fixture catches are engaged with the mounting catches; and a disengaged configuration in which the fixture catches are disengaged from the mounting catches. When in the disengaged configuration, the lighting fixture is pivotable away from the mounting portion to facilitate access to a back portion of the lighting fixture.