Rotary Joint Structure for Grow Light Cable Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grow lights with movable hinges face issues such as stress-induced defects and exposed cables, which affect appearance and protection, particularly during long-term use and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A rotary joint for a lighting fixture is designed with a first and second mounting member, metal connecting plates, and a shaft, allowing rotation and incorporating a channel for cables, made from plastic material with limiting protrusions to manage hinge stress and cable protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional movable hinges are made of aluminum die-casting or plastic injection, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but hidden defects such as stress, air bubbles, and fusion occur under long-term strong external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining plastic housing with metal reinforcing plates. The plastic injection-molded housing provides ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness, while the metal plates (stainless steel or aluminum alloy) embedded within provide high strength and reliability under long-term stress, preventing the hidden defects associated with single-material construction.
2Device complexity
If conventional grow lights are assembled without cable channels, then device complexity is reduced, but cables become exposed affecting appearance and providing insufficient protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the hinge assembly: the housing not only provides structural support and rotation functionality but also incorporates internal cable channels that guide and protect cables. This multi-functional design improves appearance and cable protection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable hinges are subjected to long-term strong external force, then folding function is achieved, but partial small cracks develop in the movable hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates metal reinforcing plates within the plastic housing before the defects can develop. These pre-installed metal elements provide structural reinforcement that cushions and distributes long-term external forces, preventing the development of small cracks that would otherwise occur in pure plastic or aluminum die-casting hinges under repeated folding stress.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary joint for a lighting fixture includes: a first mounting member having a first housing; a second mounting member having a second housing and a positioning plate; a number of first metal connecting plates fixed to the first mounting member; a number of second metal connecting plates fixed to the second mounting member; and a shaft passing through the first housing, the second housing, the positioning plate, the first metal connecting plates, and the second metal connecting plates. The shaft rotatably connects the first mounting member to the second mounting member.