Quick Connection System for Tool-Free Electrical Fixture Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
DIYers face challenges when installing ceiling and wall fixtures, as they require juggling tools and ensuring secure, grounded connections while working with AC power, with existing solutions like plastic wire connectors being inadequate for quick and tool-free connections.
Innovation Solution
A quick electrical connection system using a light fixture with a conductive plate and pins, and a junction box plate with conductive tracks and openings, allowing for tool-free connection by inserting conductive pins into the junction box, creating a secure link between the fixture and the junction box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional plastic wire connectors are used, then connections can be made between wires, but the installation process requires tools and multiple steps making it time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a fixture plate with conductive pins, a junction box plate with conductive tracks and openings, and pre-attached wire connectors. This segmentation allows each component to be prepared independently and assembled quickly without tools, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Wire connectors are pre-attached to wires during manufacturing, and the fixture plate and junction box plate are pre-configured with conductive elements. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site wire stripping, bending, and connector attachment, enabling tool-free installation while reducing installation time.
2Ease of operation
If traditional wire connectors are used, then electrical connections can be established, but the process requires juggling tools and fixtures while working at height
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service installation where the fixture plate and junction box plate are designed to self-align and self-connect through the insertion of conductive pins into openings. The spring-loaded conductive elements automatically make electrical contact when plates are joined, eliminating the need for tools or complex manipulation of multiple components at height.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into single components: the fixture plate combines mechanical mounting features with electrical connection terminals; the junction box plate integrates wire management with electrical conductivity; pre-attached connectors combine insulation and electrical contact functions. This merging reduces the number of separate tools and steps required during installation.
3Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used, then electrical connections can be made, but there is risk of naked wires crossing and improper grounding
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive tracks and pins are designed to universally accommodate different wire types and configurations while maintaining consistent electrical contact. The standardized opening shapes and pin geometries ensure proper alignment and connection for all wiring scenarios, improving reliability while eliminating safety hazards through consistent, tool-free connection geometry.
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 secure electrical connections for wall- or ceiling-mounted fixtures without the need for tools, ensuring proper grounding and reducing the risk of naked wires crossing, thus simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
when the conductive pins of the fixture are inserted into the openings in the junction box plate, an electrical connection is made between the fixture and the junction box
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive pin configured for a quick connection system. The conductive pin has a non-conductive head and a conducting shaft with a conductive shaft bottom contact point. Beneath the head are a plurality of conducting contact arms in a X-configuration, each arm at a right angle to the next and separate to an adjacent conducting contact arm. The conducting shaft has a partial non-conductive sheath below the head. Rotating the conducting contact arms to contact points by rotating the conductive pin completes the circuit in the quick connection system.