Rotatable Light Fixture Mounting Base with Rotary Electrical Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light fixtures are limited in their ability to adjust rotation, mounting, and aiming without breaking electrical contact from the junction box and/or connecting base, restricting flexibility in orientation.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable light fixture system with a mounting base that maintains electrical connectivity through rotational exposed contacts and a mechanical locking mechanism, allowing 360-degree rotation while securing the light fixture housing to the mounting base using cam locks and retention members, ensuring continuous electrical connection during adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional light fixtures are wired directly to a junction box with fixed orientation, then electrical connectivity is established, but the fixture cannot be adjusted for rotation or aiming without breaking electrical contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation and aiming adjustmentVSAvoidelectrical connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static electrical connection into a dynamic rotating connection. The light fixture housing is made rotatable relative to the mounting base through a rotational interface that maintains electrical contact throughout the rotation range, allowing the fixture to be adjusted for different orientations and aiming directions while keeping the electrical connection intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light fixture into two independent rotatable sections: the housing rotates relative to the mounting base, and the lamp head rotates relative to the housing. This multi-level segmentation of rotational freedom allows independent adjustment of mounting orientation and light direction while maintaining electrical connectivity through each rotational interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the light fixture is made rotatable to allow adjustments, then flexibility in orientation is improved, but maintaining continuous electrical contact during rotation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment flexibilityVSAvoidrotational electrical connection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses rotary connectors as intermediary components that bridge the stationary mounting base and the rotatable housing. These rotary connectors serve as mediators that transfer electrical power and signals while accommodating rotational movement, simplifying the overall design compared to alternative solutions like sliding contacts or flexible cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting base is designed with universal functionality by integrating both the electrical connection interface and the mechanical mounting interface into a single component. The rotary connector simultaneously provides electrical power transmission and mechanical support for rotation, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11333334B2Rotatable light fixture secured to a junction box via a base

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 HEATHCO LLC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for a rotatable light fixture secured to a junction box via a mounting base. The electrical and/or mechanical connection between the light fixture housing and the mounting base may maintain the electrical coupling during rotation. The light fixture housing may be rotationally secured in a variety of rotational orientations relative to the mounting base.