Reconfigurable Track Lighting Adapter Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contractors are limited to using luminaires with adapters specific to the type of lighting track they have selected, as existing solutions do not allow for flexibility in coupling luminaires to different types of lighting tracks, restricting adaptability and flexibility in lighting installations.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable track lighting adapter system that includes a luminaire adapter and a track adapter, which can be selectively removable and configured to couple with various types of lighting tracks, such as HALO®, JUNO®, LIGHTOLIER®, and GLOBAL GB-67, using alignment guides and securement mechanisms like recesses, electrical contacts, and twist locks to ensure proper alignment and connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing fixed-type adapters are used to couple luminaires to lighting tracks, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the adaptability to different track types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different track typesVSAvoidadapter system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into two separate components: a luminaire adapter that couples to the luminaire and a track adapter that couples to the lighting track. These components can be selectively assembled or separated, allowing the track adapter to be changed based on the track type while keeping the luminaire adapter fixed. This segmentation enables adaptability to different track types without requiring complete adapter replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The luminaire adapter is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can accommodate multiple track adapter types. The coupling includes electrical contacts and mechanical connection features that work with various track adapter configurations, allowing a single luminaire adapter to interface with different track types through interchangeable track adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed adapters are used for different track types, then the adaptability is improved, but the quantity of adapters and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple track typesVSAvoidnumber of adapters required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire adapter and track adapter are merged into a single functional unit during installation, where the track adapter is selectively coupled to the luminaire adapter. This combined approach allows one luminaire adapter to work with multiple track adapters, reducing the total number of separate adapter units needed compared to having dedicated adapters for each track type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The luminaire adapter serves as a universal base that can interface with multiple types of track adapters through its coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single luminaire adapter to support various track types by simply changing the track adapter component, rather than requiring multiple specialized adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reconfigurable adapter system is used to improve flexibility, then the adaptability increases, but the alignment precision and connection reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in luminaire-track couplingVSAvoidalignment precision between adapter components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism incorporates asymmetric alignment features such as alignment guides and corresponding alignment grooves that ensure precise orientation between the luminaire adapter and track adapter. These asymmetric features guide the components into the correct relative position during assembly, maintaining alignment precision despite the reconfigurable nature of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the luminaire adapter and track adapter, incorporating electrical contacts and mechanical connection features that ensure reliable electrical and mechanical coupling. This intermediary structure facilitates precise alignment and secure connection while allowing for the selective assembly and disassembly of the adapter components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11635193B1Reconfigurable track light adapters, kits and methods

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 GUANGZHOU PANYU TARGET CASTING & LIGHTING

AI summary

The present disclosure provides implementations of a track lighting adapter to couple a luminaire to a lighting track. The track lighting adapter includes a luminaire adapter to couple to the luminaire, and a track adapter to couple to the lighting track. The track adapter is selectively removable from the luminaire adapter.