Pivoting Sensor Assembly for Light Fixture Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motion-activated light fixtures often have a motion sensor obstructed by light sources when mounted on ceilings or overhangs, limiting their effectiveness and requiring separate fixtures for different mounting positions, which increases product SKUs and reduces compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture design featuring a pivotably coupled sensor module with an extension arm that can retract into a recess for wall mounting and extend for ceiling mounting, allowing adjustable positioning and independent rotation of the sensor unit for optimal viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motion sensor is positioned adjacent to light sources for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but the sensor view is obstructed when mounted on ceiling or overhang
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a retracted position (flush with housing) and an extended position (protruding from housing). This dynamic positioning capability enables the sensor to overcome obstructions caused by light sources when mounted on ceiling or overhang, while maintaining a compact integrated design when retracted.
2Ease of operation
If separate fixtures are designed for ceiling mounting and wall mounting, then sensor viewing capability is optimized for each position, but product SKUs increase and compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is designed with universal adaptability through its adjustable pivot mechanism, allowing a single fixture design to function effectively in multiple mounting positions (ceiling, wall, overhang). The sensor can be positioned optimally for each mounting type, eliminating the need for separate fixture designs and reducing product SKUs while maintaining compatibility across different installation scenarios.
3Shape
If the sensor module is retracted into the housing for wall mounting, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sensor viewing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module incorporates a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows it to transition between a retracted position (aesthetic, flush with housing for wall mounting) and an extended position (functional, protruding for optimal viewing). This enables the same fixture to maintain aesthetic appearance when needed while providing full viewing capability when required, particularly for ceiling or overhang installations.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes one or more light modules and a sensor module coupled to a housing of the light fixture. The sensor module includes an extension arm and a sensor unit that is rotatably coupled to one end of the extension arm. The other end of the extension arm that is opposite to the end coupled to the sensor unit is pivotably coupled to the housing of the light fixture to pivotably rotate the sensor module between a first position and a second position based on a mounting of the light fixture. Further, the sensor unit is adjustable independent of the extension arm.