Lighting Fixture Assembly with Tilting Junction Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional recessed lighting fixture assemblies are difficult to access and inspect due to their installation behind a mounting frame or ceiling, making it costly and time-consuming to access electrical boxes and components connected to the lighting fixture assembly.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture assembly design where a support bracket tilts an electrical box towards an opening in the mounting frame, allowing easy access and viewing from below the mounting frame, with all electrical components positioned above the frame for improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the lighting fixture assembly is installed behind a mounting frame or ceiling, then the aesthetic appearance and structural integration are improved, but the accessibility and inspectability of electrical components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical box is nested within the mounting frame structure, with the bracket system integrated into the frame. The electrical box fits within the dimensional envelope of the mounting frame, allowing it to be concealed when not in use while remaining accessible through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system allows the electrical box to be dynamically positioned between a concealed state (flush with or behind the mounting frame) and an accessible state (tilted forward through the opening). This dynamic adjustment enables the electrical box to transition between aesthetic integration and operational accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical box is positioned for easy access through an opening, then the ease of inspection and maintenance is improved, but the structural integration and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical box is mounted on an adjustable bracket that allows it to be tilted forward into view through the opening only when inspection or maintenance is required. When not in use, the electrical box can be positioned flush with or behind the mounting frame plane, maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms that allow the electrical box to be positioned in advance for either aesthetic concealment or operational accessibility, depending on the current need.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical box is tilted towards the opening, then the visibility and accessibility of electrical components is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into discrete components: a mounting bracket attached to the mounting frame, and the electrical box attached to the bracket. This segmentation allows independent positioning and adjustment of the electrical box relative to the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket introduces a rotational degree of freedom, allowing the electrical box to be tilted along an axis perpendicular to the mounting frame plane. This dimensional change enables the electrical box to project forward through the opening while maintaining a compact overall structure.
4Ease of operation
If all electrical components are positioned above the mounting frame, then the ease of access through the opening is improved, but the structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket extends upward from the mounting frame to support the electrical box positioned above the frame plane. This vertical extension provides the necessary structural support while allowing the electrical box to be accessed through the opening from below.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary structural element between the mounting frame and the electrical box. It transfers the weight and support requirements from the electrical box to the mounting frame while enabling the elevated positioning that facilitates access through the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture assembly with easy access to a junction box or electrical box having a mounting frame adapted to be coupled to a wall in an architectural space. Through an opening in the frame or ceiling, a luminaire is coupled to the mounting frame for projecting light through the opening. A support, such as a substantially U-shaped bracket having legs with first and second lengths, is coupled to the mounting frame and to the electrical box for supporting the electrical box in a position tilted towards the opening. This provides easy access and viewing through the opening from below the mounting frame when the luminaire is not located in the opening.