Tool-less Retention Ring for Optic and Trim Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luminaire designs require mechanical fasteners and tools for mounting optical components, leading to increased size and reduced precision, making them unsuitable for small spaces.
Innovation Solution
A retention ring that tool-lessly couples an optic and a trim using complementary features for twist and lock mechanisms, allowing precise and consistent mounting without the need for separate fasteners and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners and tools are used to mount optical components, then the mounting is secure and reliable, but the luminaire size increases and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function and retention function into a single integrated retention ring structure. The retention ring incorporates both the mounting interface for the optical component and the retention mechanism in one piece, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fasteners and reducing the number of parts. This merging allows secure mounting without requiring additional space for separate fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention ring acts as an intermediary component between the luminaire housing and the optical component. It provides a standardized interface that couples the optical component to the luminaire without requiring direct attachment mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall size while maintaining secure mounting through its elastic retention properties.
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners and tools are used to mount optical components, then the mounting is secure, but the precision of registration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ring's elastic structure enables self-aligning and self-retaining functionality. As the optical component is inserted, the elastic material deforms to accommodate the component and then snaps into a precise registered position, automatically ensuring accurate alignment without requiring manual adjustment or precision tooling. This self-service mechanism maintains high registration precision while ensuring secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the elastic properties of the retention ring material to achieve precise registration. The elastic deformation allows the retention ring to transition from a flexible insertion state to a rigid retained state, locking the optical component in precise registration. This parameter change enables both secure mounting and high precision without compromising either.
3Reliability
If separate fasteners and tools are used for mounting, then the mounting is secure, but the assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention ring merges multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the mounting bracket and the retention mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fasteners, screws, and tools, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated elastic retention structure.
4Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used, then the mounting is secure, but the operating envelope size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from the main luminaire structure and embeds it within a compact retention ring that attaches to the optical component. This extraction allows the mounting mechanism to be minimized to the essential retention features only, reducing the operating envelope while maintaining secure mounting through the elastic retention action.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly includes a retention ring configured to couple an optic and a trim. The optic can receive light from a light source and include an optic coupler. The trim can surround the optic and direct the light away from the light source. The trim can include a trim coupler. The retention ring can tool-lessly couple with the optic and the trim. The retention ring can include an optic retention element configured to tool-lessly couple with the optic coupler to couple the optic to the retention ring; and a trim retention element spaced radially outwardly from the optic retention element. The trim retention element can tool-lessly couple with the trim coupler to couple the trim to the retention ring radially outwardly from the optic.