Tool-Free Removable Lens Module for Outdoor Light Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor light fixtures complicate the replacement of light sources due to the need to remove covers and navigate limited orientations, making the process cumbersome and difficult.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor light fixture assembly with a user-serviceable lens module that transitions between installed and removed positions, featuring a socket with accessible contacts and a power wire, allowing for easy replacement without tools and maintaining water resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is protected within a fixed housing and cover assembly, then the light fixture provides reliable protection from weather, but the light source replacement becomes complex and requires cover removal
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed housing providing weather protection, and a removable lens module containing the light source, socket, and electrical connections. This segmentation allows the housing to maintain protection while the lens module can be easily removed for light source replacement without affecting the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source, socket, and electrical contacts are extracted from the fixed housing and placed into a separate removable lens module. This extraction enables the light source to be replaced by simply removing the lens module, eliminating the need to disassemble the protective housing structure.
2Device complexity
If the light fixture uses a fixed orientation mounting, then the housing structure remains simple, but access to the light source becomes limited by installation orientation
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the light source assembly into a removable lens module, the system eliminates the need for complex multi-orientation access mechanisms. The simple housing structure is maintained while the lens module can be accessed from any direction once removed from the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens module transitions from a fixed state to a removable state, providing dynamic access to the light source. This allows the light source to be accessed and replaced regardless of the fixture's installation orientation, as the lens module can be detached and handled freely.
3Ease of repair
If the lens module is made fully removable for easy service, then light source replacement becomes simple, but water protection of the housing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the water protection function (housing) from the serviceability function (lens module). The housing maintains its sealed structure for water protection, while the lens module provides easy access for light source replacement. The segmentation ensures that removing the lens module does not compromise the housing's water protection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens module acts as an intermediary element that can be removed to access the light source, while the housing maintains its water protection function. The design ensures that the lens module removal and reinstallation process does not create pathways for water entry, preserving the housing's protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an outdoor light fixture assembly having a housing and a lens module. The lens module is removable from the housing for servicing. The removable lens module includes a socket for one or more light sources and a lens. The outdoor light fixture further includes engagement structures for installing and removing the lens module from the housing without the use of tools.