Simulated Rock Lighting Can Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulated rocks in landscape lighting installations often have visible light fixtures and are prone to misalignment due to movement and settling, which compromises the illumination and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A simulated rock design featuring a hollow shell made from durable materials like polyurea or polyurethane with pre-installed lighting cans at different angles, allowing for hidden installation and alignment adjustments, along with an electrical connection system and potting material for protection, enables reliable light passage and concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lights are installed around or behind simulated rocks to mask their presence, then the simulated rocks can be used for decoration, but the lights may be visible from certain views depending on the person's position
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is nested inside the simulated rock through a hollow interior chamber. The rock shell encloses the light fixture, allowing it to be hidden from external view while remaining functional. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by completely concealing the light fixture within the decorative rock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture is extracted from the traditional ground-stake installation and repositioned inside the simulated rock. By removing the light from its conventional external position and placing it within the rock's hollow interior, the solution eliminates visibility issues while maintaining decorative functionality.
2Illumination intensity
If the simulated rock is hollow with a hole for light passage, then illumination can pass through, but the light direction must very closely match the hole position or illumination will be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is made adjustable within the hollow interior of the simulated rock. This dynamic positioning capability allows the light direction to be optimized for maximum illumination through the hole while compensating for any settling or movement over time, eliminating the need for extremely precise initial alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
A hollow interior chamber is pre-formed within the simulated rock structure during manufacturing, providing a dedicated space for light fixture installation and adjustment. This preliminary preparation allows for easy positioning and alignment adjustments after installation without requiring precise pre-drilling or complex alignment procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the light is installed in the ground with the simulated rock positioned over it, then the installation can be completed, but the installation is subject to movement and settling such that the light and hole may become out of alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is nested inside the simulated rock's hollow interior rather than being installed in the ground beneath it. This nested configuration ensures that both the light and the rock move together as a single unit, eliminating relative movement and maintaining alignment stability over time while simplifying the installation process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting cans are pre-installed at different angles, then hidden installation and alignment adjustments are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent lighting cans, each capable of being positioned at different angles and orientations within the hollow interior. This segmentation allows each light to be independently adjusted to achieve optimal illumination and hiding angles, providing versatility without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated landscape rock having a hollow shell with an exterior surface that resembles a rock. One or more lighting cans are installed on an interior surface of the hollow shell. Where the simulated landscape rock is set-up by selectively drilling a hole through the exterior surface of the hollow shell in-line with one or more of the lighting cans. Each lighting can is configured to removably receive a light fixture with illumination from the light fixture directed through the hole drilled in the exterior surface.