Track Lighting Adapter With Selectable Spring-Loaded Phase Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems with adapters for electrical tracks have complex structures, high costs, and limited flexibility due to automatic connection mechanisms for multiple mains phases.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with spring-loaded connectors and a displaceable cover allows for selective connection to one or multiple mains phases, providing a simpler and more flexible electrical connection by enabling the operator to choose the connection position during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an automatic connection mechanism is used to connect contacts to multiple mains phases, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the device complexity increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the automatic connection mechanism from the adapter and replaces it with simple spring-loaded connectors that remain passive until manually activated. The cover acts as a manual activation device that, when displaced, allows the spring-loaded connectors to extend and make contact with the mains phases. This extraction of the automatic mechanism reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the simpler spring-loaded design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded connectors are designed to automatically extend and make contact with the mains phases once the cover is displaced, without requiring any additional automatic connection mechanisms. The spring force provides self-actuation of the connection process, eliminating the need for complex automated systems while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
2Reliability
If an automatic connection mechanism is used to connect contacts to multiple mains phases, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the flexibility in electrical connection possibilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be displaceable in multiple directions, allowing the operator to dynamically select which spring-loaded connectors will extend and make contact with the mains phases. This dynamic positioning capability provides flexibility in electrical connection possibilities, as different cover positions enable different connection configurations, while the spring-loaded connectors ensure reliable contact once positioned.
3Reliability
If numerous components are used to ensure automatic connection, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the cost and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex automatic connection mechanisms with simpler, more cost-effective spring-loaded connectors. These connectors use basic spring elements and conductive materials that are cheaper to manufacture while providing sufficient reliability for the application. The simplified design reduces both component cost and manufacturing 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 results in a more cost-effective, compact, and flexible lighting system design that allows safe and easy assembly, enabling selection of the mains phase connection, thus improving the overall efficiency and usability of the lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring-loaded connector linked to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adapter (1) for connecting a light to a track having mains phases and comprising a housing (2), at least one spring-loaded connector (6.1) linked to the housing (2), and a cover (4) partially covering the housing (2) and having at least one opening (8.1). The cover (4) is displaceable so as to be placed selectively in one of: a position in which the at least one spring-loaded connector (6.1) extends at least partially through the at least one opening (8.1), a position in which the cover (4) covers the at least one spring-loaded connector (6.1).