Track Light Latch Structure for Stable Detachable Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking structures for track lights face challenges in controlling the locking degree, leading to unstable connections and increased production complexity, which affects assembly efficiency and stability.

Innovation Solution

A locking structure comprising a connection member, spacer, and locking fastener, where the connection member extends beyond the mounting hole, and a spacer is used to increase friction force, eliminating the need for precise locking control during assembly, enhancing stability and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking structure is turned to clamp with the track to achieve detachable connection, then the connection stability is improved, but the locking degree is difficult to control and production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidlocking control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking fastener automatically locks with the connection member when inserted, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or complex control mechanisms. The structure self-regulates the locking degree through its geometric design, where the locking fastener's shape and the connection member's features work together to achieve a predetermined locking state without requiring operator skill or complex controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the locking mechanism from a rotational clamping action requiring degree control to a linear insertion action with automatic engagement. By transforming the locking motion from rotational to translational and using the spacer's elastic deformation as a parameter change, the system achieves stable locking without complex control, as the locking fastener naturally settles into the correct position upon insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a locking structure is turned to clamp with the track, then detachable connection is achieved, but the locking degree is difficult to control during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable connectionVSAvoidlocking degree control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking fastener and connection member are designed with complementary geometric features that automatically engage at the correct locking degree upon insertion. The structure serves itself by using the insertion motion to automatically position the locking fastener at the precise engagement point, eliminating the need for operators to control or measure the locking degree.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member is pre-designed with specific geometric features (such as grooves or protrusions) that guide the locking fastener into the correct position during insertion. This preliminary design of the engagement geometry ensures that when the locking fastener is inserted, it automatically achieves the proper locking degree without requiring manual adjustment or precision control during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If a screw is turned to lock the locking structure, then connection is achieved, but the locking degree is difficult to control and assembly efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking strengthVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking fastener automatically achieves the correct locking strength through its insertion motion, eliminating the need for operators to control torque or rotation degree. The structure self-regulates the locking force through its geometric design, where the locking fastener's engagement features naturally provide the required locking strength upon insertion, improving assembly efficiency by removing the skill-intensive turning operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the rotational screw mechanism with a linear insertion mechanism. Instead of requiring rotational torque control to achieve locking, the system uses the linear insertion motion of the locking fastener combined with elastic deformation of the spacer to achieve both connection and locking. This substitution eliminates the need for torque control and significantly improves assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a stable and efficient connection between the lamp and track, improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs by eliminating the need for precise locking control and thread glue application.

Implementation Method 1

a spacer increases friction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12601469B2Track light
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 SUZHOU OPPLE LIGHTING
  • US12601469B2 patent drawing
  • US12601469B2 patent drawing
  • US12601469B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A track light, including a track, a lamp and latch structures connecting the track and the lamp. Each latch structure comprises a latch member, a connection member, a gasket and a locking member. The lamp is provided with mounting portions and mounting holes penetrating through the mounting portions. The connection members penetrate through the mounting holes and extend out of the lower surfaces of the mounting portions. The locking members are inserted from bottom to top into the connection members and are locked to be fixed to the tail ends of the connection members. The gaskets are sleeved on the outer side of the tail ends of connection members and are pressed to be fixed between the lower surfaces of the mounting portions and the locking members. The connection members are configured to penetrate through the mounting holes and then extend out of the lower surfaces of the mounting portions.