Electrified Track Lighting Connection Body With Expansion Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrified track lighting systems require complex mechanisms or tools for disengagement, and there is a risk of electrical short-circuits during insertion and disconnection of lighting devices, which complicates the connection process and can lead to mechanical failure over time.
Innovation Solution
The system employs expansion elements with a hemicylindrical shape and resilient elements to ensure stable electrical contact within the guide groove, allowing for easy insertion and secure retention of the connection body without deformation, thus eliminating the need for buttons or complex disengagement mechanisms and reducing the risk of short-circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special tools or complex mechanisms are used for disengagement, then reliable connection is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection body is designed to self-lock through its expansion elements that automatically engage with the guide groove upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or tools. The disengagement is achieved by simply overcoming the expansion force, allowing the connection body to serve its own locking and unlocking functions without external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from a separate mechanism and integrated into the expansion elements themselves. The expansion elements simultaneously provide both the locking action (by expanding into the groove) and the electrical contact function, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable connection.
2Ease of operation
If expansion elements with resilient elements are used, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of deformation and fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion elements are designed to be dynamically adaptable - they expand to engage with the guide groove during insertion and can be compressed during disengagement. This dynamic behavior allows easy operation while the resilient elements absorb mechanical stress, preventing permanent deformation and fatigue over repeated cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient elements act as cushioning components that absorb mechanical shocks and stresses during insertion and disengagement operations. This beforehand cushioning protects the expansion elements and connection body from deformation and fatigue, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If electrical contacts are integrated with expansion elements, then device complexity is reduced, but risk of electrical short-circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact function is merged with the mechanical expansion elements. The same elements that provide mechanical engagement and locking also establish electrical contact through their conductive portions, simplifying the overall device structure by eliminating separate electrical contact components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the expansion elements have different properties - the outer surface has insulating characteristics to prevent short-circuits, while specific contact areas have conductive properties for electrical connection. This local differentiation of qualities allows the expansion elements to simultaneously provide mechanical function, electrical contact, and electrical isolation where needed.
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
This solution simplifies the connection process, enhances durability by minimizing deformation and fatigue risks, and allows for repeated insertion and disconnection without compromising electrical continuity or causing mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one expansion element (22A, 22B, 23A, 23B), loaded by a resilient element (SP) to interfere on an internal side face (1S, 1D) of the walls (1S, 1D) defining the groove (1SC) of the guide (1) and in which at least one electrode (2C1, 2C2, 2C3, 2C4) is arranged on said expansion element, so that said mechanical interference simultaneously brings said electrode into electrical contact with a conductor (1C1, 1C2, 1C3, 1C4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Electrified track lighting system, wherein the track (1) has a longitudinal shape (X) with a groove (SC) through which it is possible to insert a connection body (2), and wherein on a face inside the groove of at least an opposite wall (IS) of the track is arranged at least one conductor (1C1 - 1C4), said connection body (2) having a substantially complementary shape with said groove, the connection body (2) comprising at least one expansion element (22A, 22B, 23A, 23B) adapted to project externally from the connection body so as to stably lock the connection body inside said groove, wherein said expansion element is loaded by a resilient element (SP) and wherein said element expansion has an external surface on which at least one electrode (2C1, 2C2, 2C3, 2C4) is formed/attached, and wherein when the connection body is inserted into said groove, the expansion element presses said at least one electrode against said corresponding at least one conductor.