Flat Panel Light Mounting Frame for Slide-and-Pivot Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting LED flat panel lighting fixtures to a mounting surface are limited, as traditional fastening methods cannot pass through the fixture, restricting installation options.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a mounting frame with tabs that insert into slots on the lighting fixture, allowing secure attachment to a mounting surface while maintaining access to a junction box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening methods are used to mount LED flat panel lighting fixtures, then secure attachment to mounting surface is achieved, but the lens cannot be passed through and installation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting frame attached to the mounting surface, and a lighting fixture with a lens that can be inserted through the frame. This segmentation allows the lens to pass through the mounting structure during installation, solving the restriction problem while maintaining secure attachment through the frame's support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame acts as an intermediary between the mounting surface and the lighting fixture. It provides a through-opening that accommodates the lens while maintaining structural support through tabs and support rails, enabling both lens passage and secure mounting without requiring complex integrated designs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lens is secured to the fixture, then the fixture structure is simplified, but traditional fastening methods cannot be used for mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from traditional front-face fastening to a through-mounting approach where the lens passes through the mounting frame in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows the lens to be secured to the fixture while still enabling mounting through the frame's support structure from the rear.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, accommodates the lens through its opening, and enables mounting to various surfaces. This multi-functionality allows the simple fixture-lens assembly to be mounted using the frame rather than requiring complex integrated mounting features on the fixture itself.
3Reliability
If a mounting frame with tabs is used to insert into slots, then secure attachment is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame combines multiple mounting features into a single integrated component: the frame structure, the through-opening for the lens, and the tabs for engagement with support rails. This merging provides secure attachment through the tab-slot interface while maintaining manufacturing simplicity compared to multiple separate mounting components.
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.