Springy Locking Unit for Railing LED Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED lighting assemblies for railings face difficulties in installation and maintenance due to complex two-piece designs and issues with retaining elements getting stuck, making it hard to replace fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A lighting module assembly with a module base and cover featuring a locking unit made of springy material with opposing locking bodies and latches, which securely mounts within a hollow member, allowing for easy installation and tool-assisted removal without leaving parts behind.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a two-piece lighting assembly design is used, then the lighting module can be separated into base and cover components, but installation becomes more difficult due to handling multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit merges the base and cover components into a single integrated assembly during installation. The locking bodies on the base engage with the cover to form a unified structure, eliminating the need to handle separate components and simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting assembly is segmented into distinct base and cover components that can be separately manufactured and assembled. The locking unit provides the segmentation mechanism that allows easy separation during maintenance while maintaining secure connection during operation.
2Reliability
If a retaining element is inserted into the railing opening, then the lighting module can be secured in place, but the retaining element may get stuck and interfere with future installations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit employs dynamic locking bodies that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking bodies engage with the cover to provide secure mounting, but can be disengaged by applying force to the cover, allowing easy removal without stuck components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the base and cover, providing secure connection through locking bodies that engage with the cover. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the retaining element and the cover, eliminating the sticking problem.
3Strength
If the lighting module uses a secure locking mechanism, then the module is firmly mounted in the hollow member, but removal becomes difficult without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static secure connection to a dynamic removable state. The locking bodies provide strong engagement during operation, but the cover can be removed by applying force, which causes the locking bodies to disengage, enabling tool-free removal for maintenance.
4Reliability
If multiple locking bodies are used to secure the cover, then the mounting is more reliable, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is segmented into multiple identical locking bodies that can be manufactured using the same process. This segmentation allows for increased reliability through redundancy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and reducing overall structural complexity.
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 solution provides a secure and easy-to-install LED lighting system for railings, ensuring that the lighting module can be efficiently mounted and removed without interference, simplifying maintenance and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The spanner has a resilient shape, which during abutment with a top inner surface portion of a hollow member, imparts a resilient downward force on the latch bottom portions
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting module assembly, including a module base and module cover housing a light source, and having latches sized and spaced so as to mate with the channels of the module base, each latch having a latch tab at a distal end of the latch. A locking unit connects the module cover and the module base together. The locking unit is formed of a springy material and includes two locking bodies and a ramped tang extending from the bottom of the locking body, and a pair of latch members, one mounted on each side of the ramped tang. The module cover includes a reflector portion for receiving light from the light source. The assembly may be provided with a tool with a plurality of prongs, connected by a handle and which, when inserted, engage the ramped tang and move the latches, to release the lighting module from the support base.