Recessed Light Spring-Loaded Retainer Clips
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed ceiling light fixtures face challenges in easy and tool-free installation, as they often require complex mounting hardware and can be cumbersome to position within ceiling cutouts due to rigid structures that do not easily adapt to different ceiling types and weights.
Innovation Solution
A recessed ceiling light fixture design featuring spring-loaded retainer clips with a mounting tab, leg, and strut configuration that allows for radial and downward movement, enabling one-handed installation by retracting the clips for passage through ceiling cutouts and deploying them for support, utilizing a coiled spring and bolt mechanism for compliance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid mounting structures are used to support the fixture weight, then structural strength is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to inability to adapt to different ceiling types
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic spring-loaded retainer clip system that can adapt its position. The retainer clips are biased outward by springs and can be manually retracted inward to allow passage through ceiling cutouts, then automatically deploy outward to engage with ceiling surfaces and support the fixture weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and position parameters of the retainer clips dynamically. The clips transition between a retracted position (for installation) and an deployed position (for support), with the spring mechanism enabling this parameter change through force application and energy storage.
2Ease of operation
If spring-loaded retainer clips are used for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is merged into the housing structure itself through integrally formed retainer clips that are part of the housing. The spring mechanism is integrated within the housing, with springs positioned to bias the retainer clips outward without requiring separate mounting brackets or external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer clips serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the fixture weight, enable easy installation through retraction and deployment, and adapt to different ceiling types and surfaces. The same component performs both the mounting and the adaptation functions.
3Ease of operation
If retainer clips are retracted for passage through ceiling cutouts, then ease of installation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates during the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to store elastic potential energy before installation. When the retainer clips are retracted and then released, the stored spring energy provides the force needed to deploy the clips and engage with the ceiling surface, ensuring adequate support strength is achieved automatically after installation.
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
Facilitates quick, tool-free, and easy installation of recessed ceiling light fixtures by allowing the clips to be easily retracted and deployed, supporting the fixture's weight with minimal flexing and providing secure attachment to the ceiling panel, enhancing installation efficiency and safety for electricians.
Implementation Method 1
A coiled spring is preferably disposed on the bolt shaft captured between the top wall and the mounting tab such that there is some compression in the spring.
Implementation Method 2
A means for creating compliance extends loosely through a slotted opening in the top wall and connects to the mounting tab, wherein the means for creating compliance simultaneously biases the leg to swing away from the side wall and downward toward the open bottom.
Implementation Method 3
The loose fitment of the bolt through the slotted opening allows the entire rigid retainer clip, specifically the leg, to pivot and swing away or toward the housing, and the leg to translated up and down the outside of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A recessed ceiling light fixture with spring biased retainer clips that retract flush or are biased away from the side of the can housing for installation is disclosed. The fixture includes a housing having a side wall, a top wall, and an open bottom. Two rigid retainer clips are mounted diametrically opposed on the housing. Each retainer clip has a mounting tab inside the housing extending into a leg that passes out of the housing, which leg is bent to form an elbow, which elbow extends to a strut passing back into the housing, wherein the mounting tab selectively engages the side wall to limit movement of the spring clip. A bolt and coiled spring create compliance and bias in the spring clip by passing loosely through a slotted opening in the top wall at one end and joining the mounting tab at the other end.