Slipfitter Collar Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Luminaire Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting fixtures in public infrastructure, particularly those that are top-heavy, experience loosening due to vibrational forces, posing a threat to safety due to deformation of mechanical connections and potential detachment from light poles.
Innovation Solution
A collar assembly with perpendicular and angled set screws is used to secure a slipfitter assembly to a light pole tenon, distributing mechanical forces to enhance stability and resistance to vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single set screw is used to secure the slipfitter to the light pole, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates under vibrational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The single set screw is segmented into multiple set screws (at least two) that are distributed around the slipfitter housing. This segmentation allows the vibrational forces to be distributed across multiple attachment points, preventing any single screw from bearing the full load and reducing the likelihood of connection failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple set screws are combined to work together as a unified fastening system. The screws are positioned at different locations around the slipfitter housing to collectively resist vibrational forces from multiple directions, creating a more robust connection than a single screw could provide.
2Ease of operation
If the light pole tenon is inserted at a low insertion depth, then the ease of installation is improved, but the stability of the connection deteriorates under vibrational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with non-uniform geometry, having a first portion with a first cross-sectional area and a second portion with a second cross-sectional area that is different from the first. This local variation in geometry allows the collar to provide enhanced mechanical engagement at critical locations, improving connection stability even when the overall insertion depth is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar extends beyond the end of the light pole tenon in a direction away from the luminaire, creating an overhang that provides additional mechanical engagement. This dimensional extension allows the connection to derive stability from both the inserted portion and the protruding portion, compensating for reduced insertion depth.
3Illumination intensity
If heavier luminaires are used to provide sufficient illumination, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the stress on mechanical connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight and vibrational forces from the heavy luminaire are segmented and distributed across multiple set screws rather than being concentrated on a single attachment point. This segmentation of load bearing reduces the stress on each individual screw and the slipfitter housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is made of a material that provides both structural strength and flexibility, such as a metal alloy or composite material. This allows the collar to withstand the high mechanical stresses from heavy luminaires while maintaining its structural integrity and providing sufficient engagement with the light pole tenon.
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 collar assembly provides improved retention and resistance to vibration, ensuring secure attachment of top-heavy luminaires even at low insertion depths, reducing the risk of detachment and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
A perpendicular set screw is threaded through the slipfitter housing to apply a perpendicular mechanical force to a lower portion of the collar. This perpendicular mechanical force is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the slipfitter housing and the pole cavity, and drives the lower portion of the collar towards the light pole tenon in a horizontal manner.
Implementation Method 2
An angled set screw is also threaded through the slipfitter housing to apply an angled mechanical force to an upper portion of the collar. This angled mechanical force is at an angle of less than or equal to 40 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the slipfitter housing and the pole cavity. The angled mechanical force drives the upper portion of the collar towards the light pole tenon at an angle corresponding to the angle of the angled set screw. The angled mechanical force also drives the upper portion of the collar upwards towards the ceiling of the pole cavity.
Implementation Method 3
These set screws are threaded through the slipfitter and tightened to apply sufficient force to the light pole to prevent the slipfitter from loosening due to vibrations.
Data Source
AI summary
A slipfitter assembly (200), comprising: a slipfitter housing (104) forming a tapered pole cavity (138) configured to receive a light pole tenon (140), wherein the tapered pole cavity (138) is formed around a longitudinal axis (120) of the slipfitter housing (104); a plurality of collars (102) arranged within the slipfitter housing (104), wherein each of the plurality of collars (102) comprises an upper portion (110) with a top edge (112) and a lower portion (114) with a bottom edge (116); a plurality of perpendicular set screws (106), wherein each of the plurality of perpendicular set screws (106) is configured to apply a perpendicular mechanical force (118), relative to a longitudinal axis (120) of the slipfitter housing (104), to a lower portion (114) of one of the plurality of collars (102); and a plurality of angled set screws (108), wherein each of the angled set screws (108) is configured to apply an angled mechanical force (122), relative to the longitudinal axis (120) of the slipfitter housing (104), to an upper portion (110) of one of the plurality of collars (102).