Pivotable Mounting Clip for Lighting Device Housing Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems face inefficiencies due to high energy consumption, short lifetimes, and difficulties in maintenance, particularly in hard-to-reach locations, and there is a need for secure, energy-efficient, and adaptable solutions for lighting devices that can accommodate various housing diameters and obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable mounting clip system that allows for easy installation and secure locking of light engine and trim elements within lighting device housings, accommodating different diameters and obstructions, and preventing sagging by rotating to minimize resistance during installation and locking into place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional lighting devices are used, then energy consumption is high, but energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional light sources (incandescent, fluorescent) to solid-state light emitters (LEDs), fundamentally changing the energy conversion parameter. LEDs convert electrical energy directly to light with minimal heat loss, achieving 80-90% energy efficiency compared to 10-15% for incandescent bulbs, directly resolving the energy efficiency versus energy loss contradiction
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional light bulbs are used, then initial cost is low, but lifetime is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into separable components: a reusable housing/fixture and replaceable light engine modules. This segmentation allows the expensive LED components to be protected within a durable housing while enabling easy replacement of the light source, achieving extended effective lifetime without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity of the entire system
3Adaptability or versatility
If lighting devices are installed in hard-to-reach locations, then lighting coverage is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mounting clips with pivotable arms that can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions. During installation, the clips rotate to engage with the housing; during maintenance, they rotate to disengage, allowing easy removal of light engines. This dynamic mechanism enables secure installation in hard-to-reach locations while simplifying maintenance through tool-free access
4Reliability
If mounting clips are made secure, then component retention is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clips utilize curved, pivotable arms that rotate into engagement positions. The curved geometry allows the clips to naturally spring into place and lock securely during installation, then rotate outward for easy removal. This curved mechanism achieves reliable component retention through rotational engagement while maintaining simple, tool-free operation
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device, comprising a housing and at least one mounting clip. The housing comprises an electrical connection region engageable in an electrical receptacle. The mounting clip is pivotable from a first position, where an end region of the mounting clip does not extend beyond a periphery of the housing, to a second position, where the end region extends beyond the housing periphery. Also, a lighting device, comprising a housing, a trim element and at least one mounting clip. The mounting clip is pivotable, such that if the mounting clip is in a second position and then the trim element is rotated, the mounting clip will pivot to a third position, where the mounting clip engages the housing such that the trim element is biased toward a ceiling or other structure in which the lighting device is mounted. Also, methods of installing housings and/or trim elements.