Trailer Light Installation Tool with Expandable Insertion Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for replacing clearance lights on trailers and commercial vehicles are cumbersome and often result in damage to the trailer or light assembly during reinstallation, due to the structural challenges of the lights' water-resistant design.
Innovation Solution
A clearance light installation tool featuring a handle assembly with a movably mounted lever, a plunger assembly with a rod and engagement knob, and a base plate with a light insertion member that accommodates different light sizes through expandable segments, facilitating simplified installation and reinstallation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tools like screwdrivers are used for reinstallation, then the light assembly can be removed, but the reinstallation process becomes cumbersome and may cause damage to the trailer or light assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle assembly, a plunger assembly with rod, and a light insertion member with expandable segments. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the expandable segments accommodate different light sizes while the plunger mechanism provides controlled insertion force, simplifying the overall reinstallation operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the installer and the light assembly. The light insertion member engages with the light assembly, and the plunger rod transfers controlled force through this intermediary to achieve proper installation without direct manual manipulation that could cause damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light insertion member accommodates various light sizes, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light insertion member incorporates expandable segments that can dynamically adjust their configuration. These segments can expand or contract to accommodate different light assembly sizes, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various dimensions without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The light insertion member is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple light assembly sizes through its expandable segments. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple size-specific tools, achieving versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A light installation tool configured to provide installation of clearance lights and brake lights on a trailer. The light installation tool of the present invention includes a body having a handle and a lever. The lever is pivotally movable with respect to the handle and is operably coupled with a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operably coupled with a plunger rod wherein the drive mechanism is operable to provide discrete movements of the plunger rod. A base plate is formed on the body and the base plate includes a light insertion member mounted thereto. The light insertion member has a bottom and a wall contiguously formed to define an interior volume wherein an opening is present distal to the bottom. The wall of the light insertion member is comprised of a plurality of segments wherein the segments are arranged in a longitudinal manner between the opening and the bottom.