Push-In Socket With Camming Lugs For Tool-Free Light Fitting Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light fittings are difficult and costly to replace, requiring professional installation and often cannot be returned or exchanged due to hard-wiring and mechanical installation, limiting customization options for homeowners and venues.
Innovation Solution
A detachable assembly for securing electrical devices to a support surface using a support socket with axial co-axial connectors and a biasing element, allowing for orientation-independent connection and easy replacement through a push-in mechanism with camming surfaces and lugs, enabling quick and safe swapping of light fittings without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light fittings are hard wired and mechanically installed, then the installation is secure and reliable, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming, costly, and requires professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The light fitting system is divided into two separable parts: a fixed support socket installed in the ceiling and a removable fitting module containing the light source. This segmentation allows the socket to remain permanently secured while the fitting module can be easily detached and replaced by users without requiring electrical work.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection and mechanical mounting functions are extracted into the support socket, while the fitting module contains only the light source and connector. This extraction enables the fitting module to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the installed socket infrastructure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional light fittings are mechanically installed, then the installation is stable, but the customization options are limited and return/exchange is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, permanent installation to a dynamic, reversible connection. The fitting module can be repeatedly attached and detached from the support socket, allowing homeowners to change light fittings according to preference or season without permanent commitment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support socket is designed as a universal mounting interface that can accommodate different fitting modules. The standardized connector allows various light source types (LED, halogen, etc.) to be used with the same socket, providing versatility and customization options.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional light fittings require professional installation, then the installation quality is high, but the time and cost required for replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting module incorporates self-aligning features with guiding lugs that automatically guide the module into correct orientation as it is inserted into the support socket. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for professional installation skills while maintaining secure and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical wiring and mounting processes are replaced with a simple push-in connector system. The co-axial electrical connectors with guiding lugs provide automatic alignment and connection, replacing the need for manual wire splicing and mechanical fastening required in conventional installations.
4Reliability
If conventional light fittings are hard wired, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the device cannot be returned or exchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection reliability is concentrated in the support socket which remains permanently installed and wired, while the fitting module uses a standardized connector for easy removal. This local concentration of permanent wiring in the socket allows the fitting module to be freely exchanged without compromising electrical connection integrity.
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 safe, quick, and cost-effective replacement of electrical devices, allowing users to customize lighting without professional assistance, suitable for residential and commercial applications, including venues and stage sets.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element, wherein the biasing element is configured to provide a force against insertion of the fitting module into the support socket
Implementation Method 2
each projection defining a camming surface and a retaining recess, and an external wall of the fitting module comprises at least two sets of externally projecting lugs, each set comprising a retaining lug and two spaced apart guiding lugs, or vice versa, wherein the fitting module is secured into the support socket in any rotational orientation by pushing in the axial direction against the biasing element, such that a lug of each set of lugs is directed along a camming surface to thereby move itself or another lug between two projections to enter into a retaining recess
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An assembly (10) detachably securing an electrical device to a support surface comprises a support socket (2), a first co-axial electrical connector (6) slidable within the support socket via a biasing element, a fitting module (18) connectable to the electrical device has a second co-axial electrical connector (20) for connection with the first coaxial electrical connector. An internal wall of the support socket comprises projections (8), each defining a camming surface (9) and a retaining recess (16); an external wall of the fitting module comprises externally projecting lugs (22). The fitting module is secured into the support socket by pushing in the axial direction against the biasing element, such that a lug is directed along a camming surface to thereby move itself or another lug between two projections to enter a retaining recess. The fitting module is released from the support socket by pushing in the axial direction against the biasing element.