Rotational Light Fixture Coupler for Fast Joint Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear light fixtures require multiple rotations of fasteners to couple adjacent segments, which is inefficient and may not effectively achieve a secure joint interface.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a rotatable body that engages a drive tool to rotate between a release and coupling position, featuring an arcuate pathway to laterally transfer a complementary coupling element, allowing for efficient alignment and secure joining of light fixture segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used to couple adjacent light fixture segments, then a secure joint interface is achieved, but multiple full rotations of the fastener are required which reduces assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism employs an arcuate pathway that curves radially inward toward the central axis. As the drive tool rotates the body, the complementary coupling element travels along this curved path, converting rotational motion into lateral displacement that draws the light fixture segments together. This curved geometry enables secure coupling in limited rotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the coupling action from a linear threading motion into a two-dimensional arcuate path. The complementary coupling element moves both angularly (with rotation) and radially (inward toward center), adding a radial dimension to the coupling mechanism that achieves segment alignment and secure joining more efficiently.
2Reliability
If multiple full rotations of fasteners are required for coupling, then secure joining is achieved, but time is lost during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate pathway with radial inward curvature allows the coupling element to be drawn toward the central axis during rotation, achieving secure coupling in one or two rotations rather than multiple full turns, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining joint security.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamically efficient, where the arcuate pathway actively guides the coupling element during rotation to achieve the coupling function quickly. The geometry of the pathway ensures that each rotation contributes to both angular positioning and radial closure, maximizing the utility of each rotation.
3Ease of operation
If a simple rotational coupling mechanism is used, then assembly is simplified, but adequate alignment and secure joining may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate pathway provides geometric guidance that ensures proper alignment of the complementary coupling element during rotation. The curved path naturally guides the element radially inward, achieving both alignment and secure joining through the rotation action alone, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate pathway acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive tool rotation and the final coupling action. It mediates the transformation of rotational motion into lateral displacement, ensuring that the coupling element is properly aligned and drawn into the secure joint interface position.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a coupling assembly for joining together a pair of light fixture segments at a joint interface therebetween to form a light fixture assembly, comprising a body rotatably mountable on a first of the light fixture segments about a central axis, the body configured to operably engage a drive tool with a drive axis thereof aligned with the central axis to rotate the body between a release position and a coupling position, the body having a designated receiving location to receive a complementary coupling element on a second of the light fixture segments, and configured to provide an arcuate pathway extending from designated receiving location, wherein the designated receiving location and pathway are configured to permit the complementary coupling element to travel along the pathway as the body rotates on the central axis, and thereby to laterally transfer the complementary coupling element radially toward the central axis to draw the first and second light fixture segment toward forming the joint interface when the body reaches the coupling position corresponding to the complementary coupling element reaching a corresponding position along the pathway.