Pin Light Assembly Integrated Elastomeric Grommet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pin light assemblies for portable spas using elastomeric grommets face limitations due to the larger flange and outer diameter required, which hinder the achievement of a small pin point of light and increase installation complexity, while also requiring a thicker elastomeric grommet to accommodate the LED and light lens, limiting their viability.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a pin light assembly with a cylindrical elastomeric grommet and a cylindrical pin that compresses the grommet to create a seal within the spa substrate, eliminating the need for a light lens tube and allowing for a smaller surface area and perimeter, enabling easier installation and a smaller diameter light lens, with optional features like retaining barbs and undercuts for enhanced retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an elastomeric grommet is used to seal the light assembly, then installation speed and productivity improve, but the required flange and light lens outer diameter increase, compromising the compact pin point appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light lens tube and elastomeric grommet into a single integrated component. The grommet is molded directly onto the tube, eliminating the need for separate compression of a standalone grommet. This integration allows the assembly to achieve a smaller outer diameter while maintaining the sealing benefits of the grommet, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-component assembly (separate tube and grommet) to a three-dimensional integrated structure where the grommet is molded onto the tube in specific locations. This dimensional integration optimizes the spatial arrangement, reducing the overall outer diameter requirement while preserving the sealing function, thereby enabling both compact pin point appearance and easy installation.
2Device complexity
If the light lens tube diameter is increased to accommodate the LED and lens, then the assembly structure becomes simpler, but the required hole diameter in the substrate increases, limiting the pin point light effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light lens tube and elastomeric grommet into a single integrated component with the grommet molded onto the tube. This integration allows for a more efficient use of space, enabling a smaller overall diameter that accommodates the LED and lens while requiring a smaller hole in the substrate, thus preserving the pin point light effect without excessive structural simplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric grommet acts as a flexible sealing element that can be molded directly onto the tube in specific locations. This flexible integration allows the assembly to maintain structural integrity and sealing functionality with a reduced overall diameter, enabling accommodation of LED and lens components within a compact form factor that fits smaller substrate holes.
3Reliability
If a thicker elastomeric grommet is used to accommodate the LED and light lens, then the seal reliability improves, but the required flange overlap area increases, compromising the compact design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the elastomeric grommet directly onto the light lens tube through molding, creating a unified component. This integration optimizes the thickness distribution of the grommet, providing sufficient sealing reliability only where needed at the substrate interface, while reducing the overall flange overlap area requirement. The grommet is positioned strategically to seal the hole without requiring excessive thickness throughout the entire assembly.
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
This design reduces the surface area of the light lens, facilitates easier installation, and allows for a smaller diameter light lens, while maintaining a watertight seal and aesthetic appeal, overcoming the limitations of traditional assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric grommet seal is formed by radial compression within a hole in the spa substrate caused by a tube diameter of the light lens being larger than the inner diameter of the elastomeric grommet, which forces the elastomeric grommet to compress tightly against the inner diameter of the hole.
Implementation Method 2
an LED light for placement inside of said second longitudinal opening
Data Source
AI summary
A pin light assembly with specialized elastomeric grommet and cylindrical pin attached to the light lens for installation into the substrate of a spa wall that overcomes minimum outer diameter light limitations found in the prior art elastomeric grommet installation systems wherein the elastomeric grommet portion of the pin light assembly receives the LED light thereby eliminating the need for a tube to receive the LED and have a separate elastomeric grommet installed outside of the light lens tube. Optional features include retaining features such as a barb around the cylindrical pin or a retaining flange with undercut at the termination of the cylindrical pin.