Swivel Joint for Lighting Fixture with 0-30 Degree Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial lighting fixtures in elevated locations pose safety hazards for maintenance workers due to the need for ladder access and the risk of electrical arcs during servicing, and they often require multiple tools and hardware, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture with a swivel joint that allows the fixture head to pivot downward at an angle of 0-30 degrees, enabling safe access from a catwalk without ladders and incorporating a locking mechanism that automatically disconnects power during servicing, reducing the need for tools and minimizing hardware loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional lighting fixture with a 45-degree pivot joint is used, then the fixture head can be accessed without a ladder, but the fixture head pivots laterally beyond the catwalk requiring the worker to reach over the rail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of the pivot joint angle from the conventional 45 degrees to between 0 and 30 degrees. This parameter modification alters the pivot path geometry, keeping the fixture head within the catwalk boundaries during maintenance access, thereby eliminating the safety hazard of reaching over the rail.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting fixtures requiring multiple tools are used, then various components can be serviced, but loose hardware and tool management create safety concerns and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool storage and hardware retention functions directly into the fixture housing structure. By integrating these storage capabilities into the existing fixture body, the design eliminates loose hardware concerns while maintaining full servicing capability for various components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If power is terminated at the source before disconnecting wiring, then electrical arc hazards are prevented, but multiple fixtures must be turned off resulting in large areas not illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control function from the central power source to individual fixtures. By providing independent on/off switches at each fixture location, the system allows maintenance workers to isolate and service single fixtures while keeping other fixtures operational, thus preventing electrical hazards without compromising overall facility illumination.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If individual fixtures are equipped with on/off switches, then selective power control prevents arcs during servicing, but the cost of the fixture and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service power control where each fixture has its own locally-controlled switch. This allows the fixture to independently manage its own power state without requiring centralized control system modifications or complex wiring changes, providing cost-effective electrical hazard prevention.
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 safe, tool-free access to lighting fixtures, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and hardware loss, while ensuring continuous illumination by allowing individual fixtures to be serviced without shutting off entire areas.
Implementation Method 1
a lower swivel joint member rotatably coupled to the upper swivel joint member about a plane of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture swivel joint for pivoting an upper conduit having a fixture head disposed at an upper end thereof downward with respect to a lower conduit generally includes an upper swivel joint member and a lower swivel joint member rotatably coupled to the upper swivel joint member about a plane of rotation. The upper swivel joint member includes an upper conduit receptacle defined by a longitudinal axis and being adapted to receive a lower end of the upper conduit, whereby the upper conduit is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The plane of rotation is disposed at an angle of between zero degrees (0°) and thirty degrees (30°) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the upper conduit receptacle of the upper swivel joint member.