Spring Latch Support for Strip Light Rail Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and maintenance of strip light luminaires are time-consuming due to the awkward arrangement and separate attachment of lighting means support to the strip light rail, requiring screw connections and disengagement steps.
Innovation Solution
A lighting means support with spring elements featuring latching elements that automatically engage with the strip light rail during insertion, preventing removal in the insertion direction, and only latching securely when plug-in connectors are correctly aligned, simplifying assembly and maintenance by eliminating the need for separate parts or screw connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw connections are used to attach the lighting means support to the strip light rail, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring element with latching mechanism that transitions from an inserted state to a latched state, providing automatic mechanical engagement without requiring manual screw fastening. The spring element deforms during insertion and then latches securely, combining ease of assembly with strong connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting means support system performs self-assembly through the automatic latching mechanism. When the lighting means support is inserted into the strip light rail, the spring element automatically deforms and latches, securing the connection without requiring additional manual operations or tools.
2Reliability
If screw connections are used to attach the lighting means support to the strip light rail, then the connection reliability is improved, but the maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides a dynamic latching mechanism that can be easily actuated during maintenance. The lighting means support can be removed by simply pulling it out of the strip light rail, which automatically releases the latched spring element, eliminating the need for disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separable components: the spring element remains in the strip light rail while the lighting means support can be independently removed. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance of the lighting means without affecting the strip light rail structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate attachment steps are used for the lighting means support, then the assembly precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-configured with latching protrusions that automatically engage with corresponding features on the strip light rail during insertion. This preliminary design ensures that the correct positioning and securing actions occur automatically during the single insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate alignment and fastening steps.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the lighting means support is securely latched to the strip light rail, then the stability is improved, but the disengagement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element creates a dynamic connection that is stable during normal operation but can be easily released when needed. The latched state provides firm stability, while the simple extraction motion automatically reverses the latching action, enabling easy disengagement without requiring tools or complex operations.
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
Facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of the lighting means support with the strip light rail, reducing assembly and maintenance time while ensuring a stable connection, and indicating correct electrical connection through latching.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element for detachably connecting the lighting means support to a strip light rail
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting means support (10) for a strip light luminaire, comprising: at least one spring element (20) for detachably connecting the lighting means support (10) to a strip light rail (1) of a strip light luminaire; wherein the at least one spring element (20) comprises at least one latching element (22) which can be brought into engagement with a correspondingly formed latching element or a correspondingly formed wall section (2) of the strip light rail (1) in order to latch the lighting means support (10) to the strip light rail (1) in such a way that movement of the lighting means support (10) counter to an insertion direction of the lighting means support (10) into the strip light rail (1) is prevented. The invention further relates to a strip light luminaire having at least one lighting means support (10) according to the invention.