Recessed Light Bracket with Bendable Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recessed lighting fixtures are difficult and costly to repair or replace due to their installation behind a ceiling, requiring removal of components from the ceiling for modifications.

Innovation Solution

A bracket with bendable tabs and retainers allows for installation and connection of light fixtures from below the ceiling, enabling easy engagement with the ceiling support without the need for full assembly removal, using a method that includes cutting an opening in the support and bending tabs to secure the fixture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If recessed lighting fixtures are installed behind the ceiling, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but accessibility for repair and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidaccessibility for repair and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket portion that remains installed in the ceiling, and a light fixture portion that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the aesthetic mounting structure to remain while enabling easy access to the light fixture for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light fixture is extracted from the ceiling structure through the removable bracket design, allowing it to be taken out for replacement without disturbing the ceiling installation. The bracket serves as a connector that can be detached from the light fixture, enabling easy removal and replacement of the light source while maintaining the recessed aesthetic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional recessed lighting installation methods are used, then structural stability is improved, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time and labor costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is pre-assembled with the light fixture before installation, with the light fixture positioned within the bracket and electrical connections pre-established. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site installation time and simplifies the mounting process while maintaining structural stability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket incorporates bendable tabs that can be flexed during installation to engage with the ceiling structure, providing adaptive mounting that accommodates variations in ceiling thickness and material. This dynamic feature simplifies installation while ensuring stable fixation once the tabs are bent into place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10184644B2Light fixture bracket and light fixture assembly

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 HUBBELL LIGHTING INC

AI summary

A bracket for use with a recessed light fixture includes a side wall. A first bendable tab is positioned in the side wall. A second bendable tab is positioned in the side wall, the second tab being offset from the first tab. A retainer extends from the side wall.