Retaining Spring Integrating Snap-Fit Latching and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp housing designs require complex and costly assembly methods with multiple parts to achieve defined protection classes, such as IP50, which involves screwing retaining springs into the housing and using additional seals for sealing functions.
Innovation Solution
A retaining spring with a U-shaped design that includes a latching leg and a sealing support section, allowing for easy snap-in assembly without screws, providing both latching and sealing functions while maintaining a high protection class, achieved through a stamped and bent part manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retaining springs are screwed into the luminaire housing to achieve defined protection classes, then the protection class (e.g., IP 50) is ensured, but the number of parts and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retaining spring function and sealing function into a single integrated component. The retaining spring has a body with a sealing surface that directly contacts the luminaire housing, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the required protection class through the integrated sealing contact
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention through its leg engagement, creates sealing contact through its sealing surface, and enables tool-free assembly through its spring mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retaining and sealing components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining protection class
2Strength
If retaining springs are screwed into the luminaire housing, then secure retention is achieved, but assembly complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining spring is designed to be self-retaining through its spring mechanism that automatically engages with the luminaire housing without requiring external fastening tools. The spring leg flexes during insertion and then locks into place, providing secure retention through its own elastic deformation rather than requiring separate fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-fastening mechanical system with a spring-based elastic retention system. Instead of using threads and fastening tools, the retaining spring uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking to achieve secure retention, dramatically simplifying the assembly process while maintaining strong retention
3Reliability
If separate sealing elements are used with retaining springs, then sealing function is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged directly into the retaining spring body through an integrated sealing surface. This sealing contact is formed as part of the retaining spring's structure, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and reducing assembly time while maintaining the required sealing function for protection class
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a retaining spring (10) for a lamp housing (1), comprising a retaining leg (20) for snap-fit reception in a lamp housing (1), a locking leg (30) with a locking section (31) for snap-fit reception of a component (2) with a locking section (31) corresponding to the locking section (31), wherein the retaining leg (20) has a first clamping leg (21) which is connected to the locking leg (30) via a connecting leg (40) essentially in a U-shape, wherein the retaining leg (20) transitions at an end (210) of the first clamping leg (21) facing away from the connecting leg (40) into a second clamping leg (22), which projects with a distal end (220) on the side (211) of the first clamping leg (21) facing away from the locking leg (30) up to a height of the connecting leg (40), wherein the first and the second clamping jaws (21,22) are movable between a spaced-apart rest position and an adjacent clamping position, and wherein the retaining spring (10) further comprises a sealing support section (50) which extends at least in the rest position between the distal end (220) and the connecting leg (40). The invention further relates to a trough-shaped lamp housing (1) for such a retaining spring (10), and to a lamp comprising the trough-shaped lamp housing (1) and the retaining spring (10).