Retractable Lighting Assembly with Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional recessed lights are aesthetically unappealing due to visible trims and rings, difficult to maintain and repair, and often fixed in position, making them unsuitable for applications requiring concealment and easy access.
Innovation Solution
A retractable lighting assembly with a push-retract mechanism that allows the lighting source to be displaced between extended and retracted positions, providing easy access and concealment, and includes a biasing assembly for convenient removal and installation, with optional magnetic mounting and thermally dissipating housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional recessed lights with trim or ring are used, then the light can be securely mounted in the ceiling, but the trim and ring are visible and considered unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional visible trim and ring components from the recessed light assembly. The light housing is designed to be substantially hidden within the ceiling cavity, with only the light output surface visible, thereby extracting the aesthetic problem elements from the final installation appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The light housing is nested within the ceiling cavity structure, with the housing walls extending into the ceiling space to conceal the bulb and internal components. This nesting approach allows the light fixture to be contained within the architectural element rather than protruding from it.
2Ease of repair
If recessed lights are installed within a ceiling partition, then they provide illumination, but they become difficult to maintain and repair requiring hand tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded biasing mechanism that provides dynamic movement capability to the light housing. The housing can be pushed outward from the ceiling cavity and returns automatically when released, enabling easy access for bulb replacement without requiring tools or permanent installation modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assembly automatically returns the light housing to its installed position after manual displacement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for tools or complex installation/removal procedures, allowing users to maintain and repair the light fixture through simple push-pull actions.
3Ease of operation
If recessed lights are installed in a fixed position, then they provide stable illumination, but they cannot be easily adjusted if they shift or are perturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded biasing mechanism transforms the fixed position system into a dynamically adjustable one. The light housing can be easily displaced from its installed position and will return to a stable equilibrium position when released, allowing for simple repositioning if needed while maintaining stability during normal operation.
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 solution allows for a seamless aesthetic integration, easy maintenance, and reduced labor in installation and repair, as the lighting assembly can be made flush with the structure or recessed, enhancing both functionality and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing assembly operable to displace the lighting source between an extended position, where the light output surface extends beyond the outer surface of the structure, and a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
the housing is made of or includes a thermally-dissipating material
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly, mounted within a cavity of a structure having an exposed outer surface, includes a lighting source having a light output surface and a push-retract mechanism. The push-retract mechanism includes at least one biasing assembly operable to displace the lighting source between an extended position where the light output surface extends beyond the outer surface of the structure, and a retracted position, where the light output surface does not extend beyond the outer surface of the structure.