Rotatable Retrofit Trim Housing for Precise Lighting Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retrofit trim lighting devices lack the ability to easily adjust the orientation of the trim with respect to the recessed housing and other nearby lighting devices, especially for non-round shapes.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable retrofit trim lighting device is designed with a bracket, torsion springs, and an engagement element that allows for the retrofit housing and bracket to rotate relative to each other, enabling easy adjustment of the trim orientation using torsion springs or slides within slots in the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retrofit trim lighting device uses a fixed mounting structure, then the installation is simple and stable, but the orientation of the trim cannot be adjusted with respect to the recessed housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed mounting structure into a rotatable one. The trim housing is designed to rotate relative to the recessed housing about a rotation axis, allowing the orientation to be adjusted after installation. This is achieved through a rotatable mounting mechanism that permits angular movement while maintaining secure attachment, thus providing orientation adjustment capability without requiring complete disassembly and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into separate rotatable and fixed components. The trim housing is separated from the recessed housing, with the rotation capability built into the mounting interface. This segmentation allows the trim portion to be independently rotated while the recessed housing remains stationary, enabling orientation adjustment while maintaining overall structural stability.
2Shape
If the trim shape is non-round (square, oval, triangular), then the aesthetic appearance is enhanced, but the orientation adjustment becomes difficult with conventional fixed mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a rotatable mounting mechanism that works with various non-round trim shapes. The rotation capability allows square, oval, triangular, or other shaped trims to be oriented at different angles relative to the recessed housing, enabling aesthetic optimization without being constrained by a fixed mounting orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a mounting mechanism that accommodates multiple trim shapes and orientations. The rotatable mounting interface is universal in nature, capable of supporting various geometric shapes (square, oval, triangular, etc.) and allowing orientation adjustment for each, making the system adaptable to different aesthetic requirements without requiring shape-specific mounting solutions.
3Productivity
If the trim orientation is fixed during installation, then the installation process is quick and straightforward, but alignment with other nearby lighting devices cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing the trim to be quickly installed in any initial orientation, and then rotated to achieve precise alignment with other lighting devices. The rotatable mounting mechanism enables this two-step process: first quick installation, then orientation adjustment, thereby maintaining high installation productivity while achieving precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by providing post-installation orientation adjustment capability. The trim can be rotated after installation to achieve precise alignment with other lighting devices, allowing the system to transition from a quick but imprecise initial installation to a precisely aligned final configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between installation speed and alignment precision.
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 easy and precise orientation adjustment of the trim within the recessed housing, ensuring alignment with other lighting devices and maintaining a flush installation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one torsion spring secured to the bracket and configured to mount the retrofit trim lighting device within a recessed housing
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofit trim lighting device is provided. In example embodiments, the retrofit trim lighting device comprises a bracket comprising an opening; at least one torsion spring secured to the bracket and configured to mount the retrofit trim lighting device within a recessed housing; a retrofit housing comprising at least one light engine; and an engagement element. The engagement element is secured to the retrofit housing through the opening of the bracket such that, when so secured, the retrofit housing and the bracket are rotatable relative to one another.