Rotatable LED Trim with Snap-On Spring Heat Sink
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of recessed light fixtures is complex and aesthetically challenging due to the separation of heat sinks and trims, which require distinct assembly and result in a thicker trim profile and increased distance from the ceiling, limiting cosmetic appeal and requiring additional components to mask the heat sink lip.
Innovation Solution
A snap-on spring assembly connects the heat sink and trim as a single unit, allowing rotational adjustment and eliminating the need for a heat sink lip, enabling a thinner trim profile and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat sink and trim are separately assembled, then the heat sink can be securely mounted, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat sink and trim into a single integrated assembly where the trim is attached directly to the heat sink. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation steps and reduces overall installation complexity while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly is designed as a single unit that can be installed as one component, simplifying the installation process. The segmentation of the assembly into a unified structure allows for easier handling and installation compared to separate components.
2Reliability
If the heat sink lip is used as a stop, then the heat sink is securely positioned, but the trim profile thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the heat sink and trim into a single assembly, the design eliminates the need for a separate heat sink lip. The trim itself serves as the stopping mechanism against the ceiling, allowing for a thinner overall profile while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the separate heat sink lip component and integrates its stopping function directly into the trim structure. This extraction of the lip function allows the trim to have a thinner profile while still providing the necessary positioning stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the trim is installed separately to cover the heat sink lip, then the heat sink is masked, but the trim must be thicker to mask the lip
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of heat sink and trim eliminates the need for additional masking. The trim's own structure provides the necessary coverage and aesthetic appearance without requiring extra thickness to mask a separate heat sink lip.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the separate heat sink lip that required masking, the design allows the trim to achieve its aesthetic function with minimal thickness. The trim itself provides the necessary coverage without the constraint of masking a protruding lip.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the heat sink and trim are separate assemblies, then each can be optimized independently, but the installation distance from ceiling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly reduces the overall distance from the ceiling by eliminating the cumulative thickness of separate heat sink lip and trim components. The single unified structure achieves a more compact configuration while maintaining the ability to optimize each component's design.
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
This solution simplifies installation, enhances cosmetic appeal by allowing a closer trim-to-ceiling fit, and facilitates adjustable 'wall wash' lighting by enabling rotational alignment of the trim relative to the heat sink.
Implementation Method 1
Each spring has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the springs is connected to the trim frame with a fastener such as a bolt or screw. The second end of the springs is inserted through the open end of the heat sink until the second end of the springs snaps into and engages the interior groove to connect the heat sink and the trim frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A recessed light fixture, mountable on a wall, includes a trim, heat sink, fasteners and springs. The trim has a trim frame with a trim opening for a light source. The heat sink includes an open end which opens into a cavity to house a portion of the light source, and an interior surface with an interior groove that extends around the interior surface. Each spring has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the springs is connected to the trim frame with a fastener. The second end of the springs is inserted through the open end of the heat sink until the second end snaps into and engages the interior groove to connect the heat sink and the trim frame. The second end is movable along the interior groove to allow rotational adjustment of the trim frame relative to the heat sink.