Recessed Lamp Fitting Ring With Movable Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing built-in rings for installation lamps in ceilings or walls are complex to produce and handle due to multiple individual parts, leading to difficulties in assembly and risk of unintentional detachment during installation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design featuring a movable holding element that can be manually changed in shape to separate from the base element, with a guided arrangement using guide pins and surfaces, and a reversibly releasable locking mechanism, reducing the number of parts and enhancing secure hold in the installation opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the retaining element is made detachable from the base element, then the assembly and replacement of parts becomes easier, but the risk of unintentional detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed as a flexible, unitary component that can be elastically deformed during assembly to engage with the base element, then returns to its original shape to maintain a secure, non-detachable connection. This flexibility allows easy assembly while preventing unintentional detachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element and base element are combined into a single integrated assembly through the flexible connection mechanism. While they can be separated during assembly/disassembly, during normal operation they function as one unified structure, eliminating the risk of unintentional separation while maintaining ease of replacement when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual parts are used in the mounting ring, then the functionality can be enhanced, but the manufacturing and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (retaining element, guiding elements, spring element) are merged into a single unitary retaining element structure. This integration maintains all necessary functionalities while dramatically reducing manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and handling complexity compared to using separate individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary retaining element is designed with distinct functional zones and movable segments within the single piece structure. The element contains guiding portions, retaining portions, and elastic elements as separate functional segments that work together, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple discrete parts.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retaining element is firmly fixed to the base element, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and replacement of defective parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element uses elastic deformation capability to achieve a firm, stable connection with the base element during normal operation. The flexible material allows the element to be temporarily deformed for easy assembly and replacement, then maintains strong structural stability when engaged, combining both firm fixation and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the retaining element and base element is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The retaining element can be easily inserted and removed through simple deformations, but once assembled, it maintains stable structural connection through elastic retention forces, allowing both easy assembly and structural stability.
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
This design simplifies production and handling, reduces the risk of unintentional detachment, and facilitates easy assembly and replacement of parts, while ensuring a secure hold in the installation opening.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining element is held to the base element by means of a spring
Implementation Method 2
The retaining element can be completely and reversibly separated from the base element by a deformation of the base element and/or the at least one retaining element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting ring (1) for fitting a recessed lamp in a fitting opening made in a ceiling or wall element, which ring has an annular base element (3) with a flange area for fitting against the ceiling or wall element. The fitting ring further comprises at least one retaining element (5) for retaining the base element (3) in the fitting opening. The at least one retaining element (5) is arranged so as to be moveable with respect to the base element (3) in such a manner that it can be moved backwards and forwards between a fitting position and a retaining position, wherein the fitting ring (1) can be moved into the fitting opening, when the at least one retaining element (5) is in the fitting position and wherein the fitting ring (1) is retained in the fitting opening when the base element (3) is located and positioned in the fitting opening as intended and the at least one retaining element (5) is located in the retaining position. The fitting ring (1) is designed in such a manner that the at least one retaining element (5) is arranged so as to be moveable on the base element (3) in such a manner that it cannot be separated from the base element (3) without a change in shape of the base element (3) and/or of the at least one retaining element (5). This makes it possible to reduce the risk that the at least one retaining element (5) inadvertently becomes detached from the base element (3) while giving a simpler design option overall. The use of the fitting ring (1) is thereby simplified.