Removable Light Cartridge With Rotating Collar for Easy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor light fixtures are often difficult to repair and maintain, especially in environments exposed to rain and other environmental hazards, due to the complexity of their electrical and lighting components.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture design that incorporates a removable light cartridge with a collar and handle, allowing for easy installation and removal without the need for tools, and featuring a thermal pad system for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If traditional outdoor light fixtures are used, then lighting function is provided, but repair and maintenance become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is divided into separate modules: a reusable light housing and a removable light cartridge containing the LED array, driver, and electrical components. This segmentation allows the light cartridge to be quickly removed and replaced without disassembling the entire fixture, dramatically reducing maintenance time and enabling easy repair of failed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light cartridge is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit that can be removed from the light housing. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to replace only the faulty light cartridge while leaving the housing intact, eliminating the need to disassemble and reassemble the entire light fixture and significantly reducing maintenance time.
2Productivity
If light fixtures are designed for easy maintenance, then repair time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light cartridge is designed as a universal, standardized component that can be used across multiple light fixture models. The standardized electrical connectors, mounting interfaces, and physical dimensions allow a single cartridge design to serve multiple functions and applications, improving maintenance efficiency without requiring complex custom parts for each fixture type.
Solution Approach 2:
The light cartridge incorporates a dynamic release mechanism with movable lugs that can be actuated to quickly disengage from the housing. This dynamic feature allows maintenance personnel to rapidly remove and install cartridges without tools, enhancing productivity while the mechanism itself remains relatively simple in design.
3Ease of repair
If light cartridges are made removable for easy replacement, then maintenance becomes simpler, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors and mounting features are designed with asymmetric geometries that ensure proper orientation and secure engagement. The male and female connectors have complementary shapes that prevent misalignment, while the mounting lugs and receptacles are positioned asymmetrically to provide robust mechanical retention, ensuring reliable connections during operation despite the removable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors incorporate curved or rounded contact surfaces that facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining consistent electrical contact. The curved geometry of the connector interfaces allows for self-alignment during insertion and ensures uniform pressure distribution, enhancing both ease of replacement and connection reliability.
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
The design facilitates quick and easy repair and replacement of light fixtures, reducing maintenance costs and time, while ensuring reliable operation even in harsh environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a collar moveably connected to the first end of the cartridge body... configured to transition between a connected position and a released position with respect to the light housing
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture can include a light housing and a light cartridge. The light cartridge can be configured to releasably and/or electrically connect to a portion of the light housing. In some embodiments, the light cartridge includes a collar movably connected to the cartridge and configured to rotate with respect to the cartridge. Rotation of the collar can facilitate attachment and/or release of the cartridge from the light housing. In some cases, the cartridge includes a releasable driver, one or more lenses, one or more beam reflectors, one or more diffusers, and/or other electrical and optical components.