Track Adapter Phase Switching With Hidden Rotating Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional track adapters have an unattractive appearance and increased cost due to the exposed phase adjustment mechanism, making it difficult to achieve flexible phase adjustment and aesthetically pleasing designs in track lighting systems.

Innovation Solution

The track adapter incorporates a positive conductive connection with a first rotating conductive structure and a negative conductive connection with a second rotating conductive structure, featuring annular conductive sheets, elastic members, and U-connector designs to maintain constant conduction and facilitate phase adjustment, while being integrated with a drive power supply and lamp holder for a clean and flexible design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the phase adjustment mechanism is placed at the bottom of the adapter, then the phase adjustment function is achieved, but the appearance becomes unattractive and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase adjustment functionVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional design by moving the phase adjustment mechanism from the bottom of the adapter to the top. The adjustment knob is now located on the top surface, making it aesthetically pleasing while maintaining full phase adjustment functionality. This inversion resolves the contradiction between operational function and appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conductive metal sheets and phase regulators are set up, then different power supply modes are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply modesVSAvoidadapter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter employs a universal design where a single phase regulator can control multiple conductive metal sheets through the rotatable adjustment mechanism. The phase regulator serves multiple functions by being able to connect to different conductive sheets at different rotation positions, reducing the need for separate components for each power supply mode and thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustment conductive part is rotatably provided with multiple positive contacts, then phase adjustment flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidadapter manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the adjustment conductive part with multiple positive contacts is integrated within the adapter body. The rotatable mechanism is nested inside the housing, with the conductive contacts arranged in a compact circular pattern. This nesting approach maintains phase adjustment flexibility while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 allows for easy phase adjustment and a more flexible, aesthetically pleasing design, reducing the complexity and cost of the adapter while ensuring reliable electrical connections, thus enhancing the adaptability of track lighting systems.

Implementation Method 1

said second annular conductive sheet being pressed and coaxially provided with said first annular conductive sheet by means of an elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4027467B1A track adapter and the driving power supply and track light thereof
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 SELF ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4027467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4027467B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4027467B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a track adapter comprising: a base for a fixed connection to a lamp; a pick-up post, rotatably provided above said base about a first central axis, the post body being provided with a negative conductive sheet and at least two positive conductive sheets, all positive conductive sheets comprising a positive pick-up section and a positive contact extending from said positive pickup section to the top of said pick-up post, all positive contacts being spaced about said first central axis; an adjustment conductive part, rotatably provided around said first central axis at the top of said pick-up post, comprising a conductive contact movably connected to the top of said pick-up post, said conductive contacts having a moving path passing through all positive contacts; and an adjustment knob, fixedly connected to said adjustment conductive part and with a central axis of rotation coinciding with said first central axis. The present invention also discloses a drive power supply and a lamp with this adapter; the present invention is neat and beautiful while solving the problem of difficulty in adjusting the phase of the adapter.