Pivoting Light Holder for Fastener-Free Flow Indicator Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual and sight flow indicators in industries require illumination, but current solutions involving integral light sources are difficult to maintain and move, as they often require additional fasteners and modifications to the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A holder for a light source comprising a first arm and a pivot member, where the first arm is configured to pivot around the pivot member's central axis, allowing frictional engagement with the light source and a mounting bolt, enabling easy attachment and movement without additional fasteners or modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light source is bolted or screwed to the visual flow indicator using a fastener that passes through a light source mounting apparatus, then the light source can be securely mounted and removed by un-fastening, but additional fasteners and modifications to the equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener component from the mounting system. Instead of using bolts or screws that pass through mounting apparatus, the light source is directly engaged with the visual flow indicator through frictional contact between the light source housing and the indicator body, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is merged with the light source housing itself. The housing incorporates engagement features that directly interface with the visual flow indicator, combining the light source, mounting mechanism, and engagement features into a single integrated assembly rather than separate components
2Ease of repair
If the light source is fastened in place with mounting apparatus, then the light source can be repaired or replaced by un-fastening, but the equipment requires series of different screw holes or areas for moving the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the light source can be easily positioned at different locations along the visual flow indicator. The friction-based engagement allows the light source to be slid to different positions and secured without requiring pre-drilled holes or permanent mounting points, enabling both easy replacement and repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface is designed with universal engagement features that work at multiple positions along the visual flow indicator. The same friction-based engagement mechanism serves both as a secure mounting solution and as a repositioning system, eliminating the need for position-specific mounting holes or apparatus
3Ease of manufacture
If an integral light source is manufactured into the visual flow indicator, then the light source is permanently integrated, but it cannot be moved to illuminate different areas and is difficult to maintain when the light source burns out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into separate functional modules: the visual flow indicator body and the light source assembly. The light source is housed in its own housing that can be independently removed from the indicator, allowing the light source to be replaced or maintained without affecting the indicator body, while still maintaining a compact integrated appearance when assembled
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
Enables quick and easy mounting and repositioning of light sources on visual flow indicators without the need for additional fasteners or equipment modifications, facilitating efficient illumination and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot member is configured to frictionally engage with the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A holder for a light source comprises a first arm connected at a first arm second end to a pivot member (300) having a pivot member central axis. The first arm has a first arm first end comprising a first clip. The first arm is configured to pivot around the pivot member central axis. The pivot member is configured to frictionally engage with the light source.