Screw Ramp Joiner Bracket for Light Fixture Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting fixture joining systems are difficult to access and operate, especially when suspended, posing safety risks and requiring specialized tools, and often necessitate partial disassembly or pre-assembly, which complicates and prolongs the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A joiner bracket system with a depressed ramp region that converts vertical movement of a fastener into horizontal movement, allowing for easy and safe joining of light fixture sections from outside the assembly, using a screw or other fastener driven against the ramp to pull sections together, and optionally incorporating a sloped top section for torque-assisted alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If joining systems are disposed within the housing of light fixture sections to maintain aesthetic qualities, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the joining system becomes difficult to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
A joiner bracket serves as an intermediary component that extends beyond the fixture housing to provide accessible fastener engagement. The bracket mediates between the aesthetic requirement (hiding the joining mechanism) and the operational requirement (making fasteners accessible), allowing technicians to operate fasteners from outside the fixture while the bracket remains substantially concealed within the housing.
2Productivity
If technicians assemble light fixture sections while suspended on ladders or scaffolds, then assembly can be performed without lift assistance, but the process becomes risky and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The joiner bracket enables self-service assembly by providing a mechanism that can be operated from a safe, ground-based position. The accessible fastener engagement allows the installer to secure fixture sections without needing to climb ladders or scaffolds, making the system serve itself through an externally accessible interface rather than requiring high-risk manual manipulation while suspended.
3Ease of operation
If existing joining systems require removal and re-installation of fixture elements, then access to fasteners is possible, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joiner bracket is pre-positioned within the fixture housing during manufacturing, with fasteners already in place and ready for engagement. This preliminary action eliminates the need for technicians to perform disassembly and re-assembly operations during installation, as the bracket and fastener system is prepared in advance to be simply engaged from the outside.
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 system simplifies and speeds up the installation process by enabling safe, accessible, and efficient joining of light fixture sections without the need for specialized tools, reducing the number of installation steps and improving safety for technicians.
Implementation Method 1
a joiner bracket having formed therein a depressed ramp region. A joiner fastener, such as a screw, may be driven against the angled walls of the joiner bracket ramp, which translates vertical movement (e.g., downward) of the screw into horizontal or longitudinal movement of the joiner bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
An example joiner system for joining a first section and a second section of a fixture includes a joiner bracket that has formed therein a depressed ramp region. A joiner fastener, such as a screw, may engage against the angled walls of the joiner bracket ramp, to translate the vertical movement of the screw into a horizontal, longitudinal movement of the joiner bracket. The joiner bracket may be rigidly coupled to one section of a light fixture assembly, such that engaging the screw ramp with a fastener that extends through another section of the light fixture causes the two fixture sections to move toward each other. As vertical movement of a fastener produces horizontal movement of the joiner bracket, the joiner fastener or set screw may extend outside of the light fixture assembly, so as to be readily accessible by a technician.