Segmented Track Lighting Adapter for Curved Mounting Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track lighting systems with curved mounting tracks lack flexibility and are difficult to manufacture efficiently, limiting their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
An adapter for track lighting systems with a mounting track that allows for flexible bending in two directions, featuring a segmented adapter body with non-parallel bending axes and corrugation structures, enabling it to fit various curved shapes while accommodating electrical components securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adapter body is made rigid to protect components, then component protection is improved, but adaptability to curved mounting tracks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is divided into multiple adapter segments (first adapter segment, second adapter segment, third adapter segment) connected by connecting regions. This segmentation allows the adapter to bend at the connecting regions while keeping the individual segments rigid for component protection, thereby resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adapter body have different mechanical properties: the adapter segments are designed to be rigid for component protection, while the connecting regions are designed to be flexible for bending. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between needing rigidity for protection and flexibility for adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the adapter is made flexible to fit curved tracks, then ease of installation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is segmented into rigid sections connected by flexible joints. The rigid segments provide structural stability when installed, while the flexible connecting regions enable easy installation by allowing the adapter to conform to curved mounting tracks during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter transitions from a flexible state during installation to a stable state during operation. The connecting regions enable dynamic bending during installation, while the rigid segments maintain structural stability once installed, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and structural stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the adapter body is made as a single piece, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flexibility for curved tracks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is divided into multiple segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation enables the production of flexible connecting regions between rigid segments, providing the necessary flexibility for curved tracks while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the adapter are manufactured with different properties: rigid adapter segments and flexible connecting regions. This local differentiation allows the adapter to achieve the required flexibility for curved tracks while maintaining structural integrity, and can be accomplished through various manufacturing techniques such as injection molding with different material properties or assembly of pre-manufactured components.
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 adapter provides enhanced flexibility and ease of use in curved mounting tracks, protecting components and simplifying manufacturing, while maintaining electrical connectivity and allowing for versatile lighting arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting region(s) is/are each configured with at least one corrugation structure with corrugation peaks and corrugation troughs
Implementation Method 2
The connecting region(s) is/are each configured with at least one elastic intermediate portion
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a track lighting system includes a mounting track being shaped at least in sections to follow a curved path and being provided with at least one mounting slot along a longitudinal extension of the mounting track. The adapter can be inserted into the mounting slot for electrical contacting of a conductor device on the mounting track. The adapter comprises an adapter body which is divided into two or more adapter segments along a longitudinal extension of the adapter body, wherein in each case adapter segments adjacent to one another are connected to one another in a connecting region. The connecting region allows the adapter body to be flexibly bent about at least two bending axes, wherein the two bending axes are not parallel to each other and run non-parallel to the longitudinal extension of the adapter body.