Tilt Mechanism for Post-Installation Lighting Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting fixtures lack a practical method to adjust the illumination angle post-installation, limiting flexibility in room illumination and decoration.
Innovation Solution
A tilt mechanism that allows for the adjustment of the illumination angle of a lighting fixture from the room side through a rotation of a drive gear ring, enabling the light source to be installed and adjusted after the fixture is already installed in a wall or ceiling, using a bayonet-style insertion and a two-point pivot system with arcuate grooves and cylindrical protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lighting fixture is installed in a ceiling or wall, then the fixture is securely mounted and ready for use, but the illumination angle cannot be adjusted after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tilt mechanism that allows the light source angle to be adjusted after installation. The mechanism includes a tilt member that can rotate relative to the fixture housing, enabled by a drive gear ring engaged with a drive gear, and a two-point pivot system with arcuate grooves and cylindrical protrusions that facilitate controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tilt mechanism between the fixed fixture housing and the adjustable light source. This intermediary component, comprising the tilt member, drive gear, and pivot system, acts as a mediator that translates user input (rotation of the drive gear ring) into controlled angular adjustment of the light source, enabling post-installation flexibility without compromising the secure mounting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light source angle is adjusted during installation, then the illumination angle can be set initially, but there is no easy way to alter the angle after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic adjustment system where the tilt member can be rotated to change the illumination angle. The drive gear ring, when rotated, engages with the drive gear to pivot the tilt member through the arcuate grooves, providing easy post-installation adjustment while maintaining adaptability for different illumination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables initial angle adjustment during installation, allows post-installation angle changes, and provides flexibility for different illumination scenarios (e.g., wall wash, directed lighting). The universal design accommodates various adjustment needs through a single integrated mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tilt mechanism is added to allow post-installation adjustment, then angle flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tilt mechanism into distinct functional components: the tilt member, the drive gear, the drive gear ring, and the two-point pivot system with arcuate grooves. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-component adjustment mechanisms with a simplified two-point pivot system using arcuate grooves and cylindrical protrusions. This mechanical substitution reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining the ability to provide controlled angular adjustment, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for adjusting a tilt angle of a tilt mechanism of an internal assembly of a lighting fixture is disclosed. The tilt mechanism comprises an inner base and an outer base. The inner base facilitates installation of a light engine for installation and operably engages with the outer base to vary a tilt angle of the lighting fixture, which can be adjusted by a tilt mechanism thumb actuator.