Recessed Light Camera Spring-Loaded Fastening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed lights and cameras used in machines for manufacturing processes face challenges such as time-consuming tool-based assembly and maintenance, contamination accumulation, and loosening due to vibrations, making them unsuitable for environments like the food industry.

Innovation Solution

A recessed light and camera design featuring a tool-free, spring-loaded fastening mechanism that securely attaches to the machine wall without tools, tolerates varying wall thicknesses, and prevents contamination by using a V- or U-shaped fastening means that engages like a trap, ensuring a positive fit and sealing gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional mounting hardware is used for recessed lights and cameras, then the devices can be securely attached to the wall, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly processVSAvoidtime for assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical screw-based fastening systems with a spring-loaded elastic fastening element that uses elastic deformation and spring force for attachment and detachment. This allows tool-free installation by simply pushing the device into the mounting opening, where the elastic element automatically deforms and locks into place, and enables easy removal by pressing a release mechanism that disengages the elastic element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fastening element automatically performs the fastening function when the device is inserted into the mounting opening, deforming elastically to engage with the wall structure without requiring external tools or manual tightening. The spring-loaded mechanism self-adjusts to secure the device in place, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the actual fastening process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mounting hardware with gaps and pockets is used, then the devices can be installed on various wall thicknesses, but contaminants accumulate and germs breed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of wall thickness variationsVSAvoidcontaminant accumulation and germ breeding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastic fastening element that functions as a flexible mechanical component, deforming to accommodate wall thickness variations while maintaining a smooth, continuous surface profile. This flexible element adapts to different mounting conditions without creating gaps or pockets, as it conformally engages with the wall structure and seals against contamination accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional rigid mounting hardware with screw threads and washers that create gaps and pockets with a spring-loaded elastic fastening system. This new mechanical system achieves secure attachment through elastic deformation and spring force while maintaining a smooth surface that prevents contaminant accumulation and eliminates germ breeding grounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional mounting hardware is used, then the devices can be attached to the wall, but vibrations cause the mounting hardware to loosen or become loose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stability under vibrationsVSAvoidfastening stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded fastening system where the elastic element continuously exerts spring force to maintain secure engagement. Unlike rigid mechanical fasteners that can loosen under vibration, the elastic element dynamically adapts to vibrational forces, maintaining constant contact pressure and preventing loosening through its inherent elasticity and energy absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fastening element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and dampens vibrational forces before they can cause loosening. The spring-loaded design provides preemptive protection against vibration-induced loosening by continuously maintaining engagement pressure and absorbing shock loads that would otherwise compromise the mounting stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Strength

If tool-based mounting hardware is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process requires tools and is not suitable for clean environments like the food industry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidsuitability for clean environments
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional screw-based mechanical fastening systems with a spring-loaded elastic fastening element that achieves secure attachment through elastic deformation and spring force. This tool-free mechanism maintains strong attachment security while eliminating the need for screw threads, washers, and other hardware that create gaps and pockets, making it suitable for clean environments like the food industry where contamination prevention is critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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, secure installation and maintenance-free operation, preventing contamination and accommodating different wall thicknesses, thus suitable for harsh industrial environments like the food industry.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one fastening element initially retracts elastically due to elastic deformation upon insertion into the mounting opening in the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3933261B1Recessed light and/or camera
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 HERBERT WALDMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3933261B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3933261B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3933261B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a built-in light and/or camera (1) for arrangement in a mounting opening (4) of a wall (5), in particular an inner wall of a machine, comprising a housing (10) with a front area (12), a rear area (14) and side walls (15, 16, 17, 18), wherein at least one camera (30) and/or at least one light source (40) are arranged in the front area (12), wherein a stop (20) is arranged in the front area (12), wherein at least one fastening means (50) is provided that projects beyond one of the side walls (15, 16, 17, 18), and wherein the at least one fastening means (50) is configured to form a spring-loaded positive locking of the wall (5) between the stop (20) and the at least one fastening means (50) when inserted into the mounting opening (4).