Retrofit Mounting Ring for Ceiling Light Fixture Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures often cannot be easily replaced in ceilings where the original opening is not compatible with new fixtures, and existing fixture housings may be permanently installed, making it difficult to mount newer, technologically advanced light fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A mounting ring system with retention springs, flanges, and flexible body designs that can be adapted to fit various ceiling openings and light fixtures, including those with permanent housings, by using spring receivers and ceiling attachment features to secure the ring within the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new light fixture is installed in an existing ceiling opening, then the lighting technology is improved, but the existing opening may not be compatible with the new fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting ring serves as an intermediary component between the existing ceiling opening and the new light fixture. It includes ceiling attachment features (such as expansion clips or flanges) that secure to the ceiling opening and fixture receivers that accommodate various light fixture types, thereby bridging the incompatibility gap between the existing opening and modern fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of light fixtures (LED, fluorescent, incandescent) and ceiling opening configurations. The ring incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that allow it to adapt to different fixture sizes and ceiling thicknesses, making a single device suitable for various installation scenarios
2Stability of the object's composition
If the existing light fixture housing is permanently installed, then the structural stability is improved, but the difficulty of removal and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: ceiling attachment features that secure to the ceiling structure and fixture receivers that hold the light fixture. This segmentation allows the mounting ring to remain permanently installed for stability while enabling easy removal and replacement of the light fixture itself without disturbing the ceiling installation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring incorporates flexible or movable components such as spring-loaded retention mechanisms and adjustable fixture receivers that can dynamically adapt to different fixture sizes and weights. These dynamic elements allow the system to maintain secure attachment while facilitating easy fixture changes through simple release actions
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting ring is designed to fit various ceiling openings, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting ring is divided into distinct functional modules: ceiling attachment features (expansion clips, flanges), body ring structure, and fixture receivers. Each module can be independently designed and adjusted, allowing versatility across different installations while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring incorporates flexible elements such as elastic deformation-capable body rings and spring-loaded retention mechanisms that can dynamically adjust to different ceiling opening sizes and fixture configurations. This dynamic adaptability achieves versatility without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the flexibility itself provides the adjustment capability
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
Enables the easy retrofitting of new light fixtures into existing ceiling openings, accommodating different fixture styles and ceiling thicknesses, and provides a secure mounting solution for both the ring and the fixture, supporting various weights and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one retention spring disposed on the body ring and comprising an outwardly extending arm, wherein the arm is horizontal in a neutral position and vertical in a flexed position
Implementation Method 2
a flexible body ring comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the body ring is flexible between the first and the second end, and wherein the diameter of the body ring decreases when the first and second end are flexed towards each other and increases when the body ring is released from being flexed
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a mounting device for mounting light fixtures into new or existing ceiling mounting openings. The mounting device allows new light fixtures to be retrofitted into existing ceiling openings by providing the appropriate interface between the light fixture and the ceiling opening. In certain example embodiments, the mounting device includes a ceiling coupling mechanism configured to secure the mounting device within an opening in a ceiling. The mounting device further includes a light fixture coupling element configured to couple to and retain a light fixture, thereby mounting the light fixture to the ceiling.