Recessed Lighting Twist-Lock Interface Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recessed lighting units require cumbersome and tedious processes for switching between different components, involving the removal of numerous screws and fasteners, which hinders efficient interchangeability.
Innovation Solution
A recessed lighting unit design featuring an interface module with a housing that allows for easy coupling with various lighting trims, a heat sink, and a wire connector assembly, utilizing a twist and lock mechanism and snap-on lighting trim assembly to facilitate component interchange without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw and fastener mechanisms are used to attach components, then connection strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation and installation time deteriorate due to the need to remove numerous fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular components (housing, trim, lens, bulb) that can be independently attached and detached. The trim and lens are segmented as separate interchangeable parts that snap onto the housing, eliminating the need for multiple fasteners and enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure connections.
2Reliability
If multiple screws and fasteners are used to secure components, then structural stability and reliability are improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-formed with integrated attachment features including recesses, protrusions, and snap-fit mechanisms that are built into the structure during manufacturing. These pre-integrated features eliminate the need for separate fasteners and enable rapid assembly by simply aligning and snapping components together, drastically reducing installation time while ensuring stable connections.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment functionality is merged directly into the housing structure through integrated attachment features such as recesses, protrusions, and snap-fit mechanisms. Instead of using separate screws, washers, and fasteners, the housing itself provides the connection mechanism, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable and reversible connections between components.
Data Source
AI summary
A recessed lighting unit for mounting to a ceiling or a wall is provided. The recessed lighting unit includes an interface module having a through-duct. The through-duct may be coupled to a wire connector assembly to secure an electrical wire to the interface module and allow the electrical wire to reach a light source module. The wire connector assembly may be twisted and locked to the interface module without the use of tools. The lighting trim may be snapped on to an interface module through the use of a flexible retainer ring. The lighting trim may also be twisted and locked to an interface module without the use of tools. The present invention provides for a reduced set of components while ensuring adaptability and easy installation of lighting units. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.