Push Button Release Mechanism for Track Lighting Luminaires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art track lighting systems have latches that are difficult to operate, posing a safety risk due to the need for awkward force application, especially when installed on ceilings.

Innovation Solution

A track engaging apparatus with a push-button release mechanism that includes a rotation inhibitor and actuator, allowing easy disengagement of the luminaire from the track by translating force orthogonally, enhancing safety and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a prior art latch is used to secure the track lighting assembly to the track, then the assembly is securely held in place, but the latch is difficult to operate and requires awkward force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of track engagementVSAvoidease of latch operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional latch operation by using a push-button actuator that releases the latch rather than requiring manual manipulation of the latch itself. The actuator translates linear pushing force into orthogonal motion to disengage the rotation inhibitor from the track, making operation intuitive and easy while maintaining secure engagement when locked

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotation inhibitor as an intermediary component between the latch mechanism and the track. This rotation inhibitor can be independently actuated by the push-button actuator to release the locking condition, separating the engagement security function from the operation difficulty and allowing easy release while maintaining secure locked state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If force is applied to operate the prior art latch, then the latch can be actuated, but the awkward force application creates safety risks especially when installed on ceilings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch actuation capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk from awkward force application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual manipulation mechanism with a push-button actuator system that translates linear force into orthogonal motion through the receiving member. This substitution eliminates the need for awkward twisting or reaching motions, allowing users to simply push a button even when the fixture is installed on a ceiling, thereby eliminating the safety hazard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a rotation inhibitor is used to prevent rotation of the track lighting assembly, then secure engagement is maintained, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of rotationVSAvoidcomplexity of engagement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rotation inhibitor function with the existing latch housing and actuator mechanism. The rotation inhibitor is integrated into the luminaire connection member assembly, and its release is coupled with the push-button actuator operation, so that one simple action releases both the rotation constraint and the locking mechanism simultaneously, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of track lighting assemblies from the track, improving safety by reducing the need for awkward force application and enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

a receiving member for translating a force in a first direction into motion of the rotation inhibitor in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce translation: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS7896537B2Push button release for luminaires in a track lighting system

Publication Date: 2011.03.01 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

The invention provides an apparatus for engaging and disengaging a track lighting assembly with respect to a track in a track lighting system. The apparatus includes a track engaging apparatus that includes a housing. The housing includes a rotation inhibitor that has a protruding end that protrudes from the housing for engaging with the track and preventing the track engaging apparatus from rotating with respect to the track. The rotation inhibitor further includes a receiving member for translating a force in a first direction into motion of the rotation inhibitor in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The apparatus further includes an actuator for applying the force in the first direction to the receiving member.