Spring-Loaded Retention Assembly for Recessed LED Fixture Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed light fixtures are inefficient due to high heat production and large size, and recent advancements in LED technology require new installation methods that minimize hardware visibility and maximize energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of retention assemblies with springs and a foldable mounting collar to facilitate the installation of light fixtures within walls or ceilings, allowing for compact, energy-efficient LED installations with minimal visible hardware, where retention assemblies rotate to fit within apertures and a foldable collar protects the mounting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional recessed light fixtures with Edison base bulbs are used, then the fixtures can provide adequate illumination, but the fixtures produce high heat and have large size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from incandescent bulb technology to LED technology, fundamentally changing the light source parameters. This enables the fixture to achieve the same illumination output with significantly reduced heat production and smaller size requirements, as LEDs operate at lower temperatures and have compact form factors compared to traditional Edison base bulbs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bulb from the fixture design by using recessed LED modules that can be installed without traditional sockets. The LED light engine is directly mounted into the fixture housing, eliminating the need for bulky socket assemblies and allowing for a more compact overall fixture design with reduced heat generation
2Use of energy by moving object
If compact LED light engines are used to improve efficiency, then energy efficiency improves, but new installation methods are required to minimize hardware visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics through the foldable mounting collar mechanism, which transitions from a compact folded state during installation to an expanded state for final mounting. This dynamic structure allows the collar to pass through the ceiling aperture in a compressed configuration, then unfold to provide the necessary mounting surface and structural support, simplifying the installation process while maintaining a low-profile finished appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mounting system into distinct functional components: the fixture housing, the foldable mounting collar, and the retention assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the collar can be folded for easy installation while the retention assemblies provide secure mounting - and simplifies the overall installation process by allowing components to be assembled and installed in a logical sequence
3Area of stationary object
If retention assemblies are designed to rotate into apertures, then hardware visibility is minimized, but the retention assemblies require spring mechanisms to exert torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-loaded retention assemblies, which automatically exert the necessary torque to rotate the fixture into the ceiling aperture and secure it in place. The springs are pre-loaded during assembly and automatically engage to provide the rotational force needed during installation, eliminating the need for external tools or complex adjustment mechanisms while ensuring consistent mounting torque
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves equipotentiality by positioning the retention assemblies at opposite sides of the fixture housing, creating a balanced mounting system. The springs are configured to exert equal and opposite torques, ensuring the fixture rotates evenly and seats uniformly against the ceiling surface. This balanced configuration simplifies the rotation process and ensures stable, vibration-free installation
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
Enables the installation of compact, energy-efficient LED light fixtures with reduced hardware visibility, improving efficiency and reducing heat production while maintaining a low profile, thus addressing the inefficiencies of traditional fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring. A proximal end of the spring coils about the internal axle, and a distal end of the spring extends from the body, and is configured to couple with a coupling feature of the light fixture housing. When the body couples with the hinge and the distal end of the spring couples with the coupling feature of the light fixture housing, a tension within the spring exerts a torque on the body, so as to urge the body to rotate about the hinge, toward the coupling feature.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention assembly includes a body that is configured to couple with the light fixture housing through a hinge. The body forms an internal axle. The retention assembly also includes a spring. A proximal end of the spring coils about the internal axle. A distal end of the spring extends from the body, and is configured to couple with a coupling feature of the light fixture housing. When the body couples with the hinge and the distal end of the spring couples with the coupling feature of the light fixture housing, a tension within the spring exerts a torque on the body, so as to urge the body to rotate about the hinge, toward the coupling feature.