Recessed Light Fixture Mounting System with Stepped Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of recessed light fixtures from below a surface, such as a ceiling, is often difficult and time-consuming due to the need for attachment to a building structure above the light fixture for support.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a frame, holders, and an engagement component that allows the light fixture to be inserted through an aperture in the ceiling, with the engagement component compressing and engaging stepped portions of the holder to secure the fixture without direct attachment to the building structure, enabling self-support and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recessed light fixtures are mounted from below the surface requiring attachment to building structure above, then the fixture can be securely supported, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple independent engagement features (first engagement feature, second engagement feature, third engagement feature) at different heights on the support portion. These segmented features allow the fixture to be supported at various levels without requiring complex attachment to building structure above, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the fixture from above to the building structure, the engagement component and holder are designed to engage from below the surface. The support portion with stepped engagement features projects upward to receive the engagement component, inverting the traditional mounting approach and eliminating the need for access to the building structure above.
2Reliability
If attachment to building structure above is required, then secure support is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to be self-supporting through its engagement features that project from the mounting surface. The support portion with multiple stepped engagement features provides inherent support without requiring external attachment to building structure, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable fixture support.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement component nests within the holder structure, with the compressible end fitting into the holder and engaging with the stepped engagement features. This nested arrangement provides secure support through the integrated holder-engagement component assembly, eliminating the need for complex external attachment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If multiple engagement positions are provided, then installation ease is improved, but holder complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates localized engagement features at different heights on the support portion, each with specific characteristics (first, second, and third engagement features). These locally differentiated features provide multiple engagement positions for different fixture weights and types, improving installation ease while keeping the overall holder structure relatively simple through targeted local variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a recessed light fixture includes a frame and a holder supported by the frame. The holder includes a base and a support portion extending from the base. The support portion includes a top end, a bottom end opposite from the top end, and an edge extending from the top end to the bottom end. The edge includes a transition portion between the top end and the bottom end, a first step between the bottom end and the transition portion, and a plurality of second steps between the first step and the transition portion. At least one characteristic of the first step is different from each second step.