Pool Light Adapter Ring for Retrofitting Misaligned Niches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater pool lighting systems face maintenance challenges due to corrosion and shape changes in pool niches, making it difficult to securely mount replacement lights, which can lead to misalignment and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A pliant yet durable metal adapter ring with interlocking hooks and anchor screws that can be compressed for easy insertion into niches and expanded for secure mounting, providing a stable base for pool lights even in compromised niches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid mounting system is used to securely mount pool lights, then mounting stability is improved, but installation difficulty increases when the niche shape is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ring transitions from a flexible installation state to a rigid operational state. During installation, the ring is flexible to accommodate compromised niches, but once installed, it becomes rigid to provide stable mounting. This is achieved through the interlocking hooks that engage to lock the ring in place, transforming its mechanical properties from flexible to rigid based on installation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter ring changes its physical state from compressed/flexible during installation to expanded/rigid during operation. The ring can be compressed to fit into the niche and then expands to its full diameter to provide a stable mounting surface. This parameter change allows it to adapt to varying niche conditions while maintaining mounting reliability.
2Reliability
If the adapter ring is made rigid for secure mounting, then mounting stability is improved, but ease of insertion into the niche deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ring employs dynamic flexibility during insertion, allowing it to be compressed and bent to fit into the niche. Once positioned, the interlocking hooks engage to transform it into a rigid structure. This dynamic property resolution allows the same component to be easy to insert while providing secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter ring utilizes a flexible metal construction that allows it to be compressed and inserted into the niche like a flexible shell. The flexibility enables it to conform to the niche shape during insertion, after which it expands to provide rigid mounting support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mounting hardware is designed to fit compromised niches, then adaptability is improved, but light alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ring acts as an intermediary between the compromised niche and the light fixture. It absorbs the irregularities of the niche through its flexible design and interlocking hooks, while providing a precise, flat mounting surface for the light. This mediator function allows adaptability to compromised niches while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into three functional parts: the flexible adapter ring that adapts to the niche, the interlocking hooks that secure the ring in place, and the mounting brackets that provide precise light positioning. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, achieving both adaptability and precision.
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
The adapter ring ensures secure and stable mounting of pool lights, maintaining proper alignment and preventing pinch points, thus enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal while reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter ring may be discontinuous at one or more points along its circumference in order to allow the ring to be compressed to a size smaller than the full diameter
Implementation Method 2
Once positioned in the niche, the adapter ring may be allowed to relax to its full diameter such that the interlocking hooks re-engage
Data Source
AI summary
A pool light adapter ring for retrofitting a pool light in a pool wall niche. The adapter ring has a pair of interlocking hooks to allow the ring to be compressed to a first, compressed state, inserted into a wall niche and then relaxed to a second, rigid state. The adapter ring has mounting brackets attached to the ring for receipt of a pool light or other device. The adapter ring also has a plurality of anchor screws for securing the adapter ring inside the niche. Further, some embodiments may include a grounding screw for attaching the grounding wire from the pool light.