Rotating Lighting Module With Flexible Strut Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed lighting devices rely on cumbersome spring clips for installation, which are laborious to handle and can lead to ergonomic issues during maintenance or replacement, and may cause damage to the recess or lighting device.
Innovation Solution
A module comprising a first body, a second body, and at least one flexible strut, where the bodies are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis, and the flexible strut deforms to abut the recess surface, providing a secure fixation without the need for spring clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring clips are used to fixate the lighting device in the recess, then the lighting device can be securely held in place, but the installation and maintenance become laborious and may lead to damages
Solution Approach 1:
The module is divided into a first body and a second body that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the fixation mechanism to be segmented into distinct functional parts that can operate independently during installation and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism transitions from a static spring clip system to a dynamic system where the first and second bodies can rotate relative to each other, enabling easy engagement and disengagement through rotational motion rather than forceful pulling
2Ease of operation
If spring clips are pushed inwards with fingers during installation, then the lighting device can be positioned in the recess, but the process becomes cumbersome especially for smaller luminaires
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second bodies are pre-configured with collars and connection points that automatically engage with the recess structure, eliminating the need for manual finger manipulation during the positioning process
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational degree of freedom between the first and second bodies allows for automatic alignment and engagement with the recess, reducing manual intervention and installation time
3Ease of repair
If forceful pulling action is used to remove the lighting device from the recess, then the device can be taken out for maintenance, but damages to the recess and/or lighting device may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational mechanism between the first and second bodies provides a controlled motion path for removal, replacing forceful pulling with gentle rotational disengagement that protects both the recess and lighting device from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The module can be easily removed and recovered for maintenance without causing damage, allowing for repeated use and replacement without degradation of the recess or device components
4Reliability
If spring clips are used for fixation, then the lighting device can be held in the recess, but high local stresses and potential cracking may occur especially for 3D-printed luminaires
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation force is segmented and distributed across the first and second bodies with their respective collars and connection points, preventing concentration of stress at a single attachment point
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational degree of freedom allows the fixation mechanism to adapt to slight misalignments and variations in the recess structure, distributing loads more evenly and reducing peak stresses that could cause cracking in 3D-printed luminaires
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
The module allows for efficient and ergonomic installation of lighting units in recesses, reducing the risk of damage and improving maintenance accessibility by eliminating the use of spring clips.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one flexible strut is configured to deform in a direction away from the rotational axis when a rotation of the first body and the second body relative to each other reduces the distance between said first connection point and said second connection point
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention provides a module for installation of a lighting unit in a recess, wherein the module comprises: a first body comprising a first collar; a second body comprising a second collar; at least one flexible strut; wherein the first body and/or the second body is configured to hold said lighting unit; wherein the first body and the second body are rotatable relative to each other around a rotation axis, and are positionally fixed relative to each other in the axial direction of said rotation axis; wherein the at least one flexible strut comprises a respective first end and a respective second end, wherein said first end is fixed to a respective first connection point on the first collar and said second end is fixed to a respective second connection point on the second collar; wherein the at least one flexible strut comprises a strut length, wherein the strut length is at least a factor 1.2 longer than the shortest distance between the respective first connection point and the second collar; wherein the at least one flexible strut is configured to deform in a direction away from the rotational axis when a rotation of the first body and the second body relative to each other reduces the distance between said first connection point and said second connection point. The invention further provides a lighting device comprising said lighting unit and said module.