Socket Assembly Leaf Spring Fixation for Lamp Pinch Foot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket arrangements struggle to securely fix lamps with varying pinch foot dimensions and manufacturing tolerances, leading to installation difficulties and potential damage due to inconsistent pressure distribution.

Innovation Solution

A socket arrangement featuring leaf springs with a larger, angled pressing surface and adjustable stem sections to accommodate different pinch foot shapes, along with a contact spring system for reliable electrical connection, allowing for secure fixation and easy installation of lamps with diverse manufacturing deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the distance between the retaining springs is reduced or their tension is increased to securely fix thin bulb bases, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the ease of insertion deteriorates and the base may break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by making the retaining springs adjustable in tension and position. The springs can be moved along the socket body to change the distance between them, and their tension can be adjusted to accommodate different bulb base thicknesses. This allows the system to adapt to varying parameters of lamp bases rather than being fixed, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining springs are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. They can be repositioned and their tension modified to match different lamp base dimensions. This dynamic capability allows the socket to adapt to various manufacturing tolerances and base thicknesses, enabling both secure fixation of thin bases and easy insertion of thicker bases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the distance between the retaining springs is reduced or their tension is increased to securely fix thin bulb bases, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the base may break due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidbase damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable tension parameter of the retaining springs allows the user to set the appropriate pressure for different base thicknesses. For thin bases, higher tension provides secure fixation, while for thicker bases, lower tension prevents damage. This parameter adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between achieving reliable fixation and avoiding base damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between the retaining springs or their preload is reduced to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, then the adaptability is improved, but the fixation reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to manufacturing tolerancesVSAvoidfixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustability of the retaining springs allows the socket to adapt to various manufacturing tolerances in lamp base dimensions. By being able to reposition and re-tension the springs, the system maintains fixation reliability across different base thicknesses and configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design ensures secure fixation and reduced risk of damage to lamps by distributing pressure evenly across the pinch foot, accommodating manufacturing variations, and maintaining reliable electrical contact through adjustable spring tension and contact surface alignment.

Implementation Method 1

two opposing leaf springs for fixing the crimp base in the free space, wherein the leaf springs are each bent from a metal strip in such a way that a straight contact surface is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a contact spring (6) mounted on a retaining pin (32) in the cavity (30)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3579358B1Socket assembly for holding a lamp with squeeze foot
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 USHIO GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3579358B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3579358B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3579358B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a base arrangement (1) for receiving a lamp (2) with a crimp base (20) and a connecting pin (21) extending through it, comprising: - an outer housing part (3) with a substantially cylindrical cavity (30) accessible from the outside via a slot opening (31) extending in the longitudinal direction of the outer housing part (3); - an inner part (4) rotatably mounted in the outer housing part (3) about an axis of rotation (R) with a free space (40) designed to receive the crimp base (20) and the connecting pin (21) and accessible from the outside; and - two opposing leaf springs (5, 5') for fixing the crimp base (20) in the free space (40).The leaf springs (5, 5') are each bent from a metal strip in such a way that a straight pressure surface (50, 50') is formed, to which leg sections (51 - 51''') are attached on both sides relative to the pressure surface, at the ends of which remote from the pressure surface converge base sections (52 - 52''') which in turn transition into stem sections (53 - 53''') extending away from the pressure surface (50, 50'), wherein the leaf springs (5, 5') are attached to the inner part (4) in the area of ​​the stem sections (53 - 53''') and the pressure surfaces (50, 50') point towards each other and run substantially parallel to each other.