Troffer Retrofitting Bracket Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting LED panels into troffers is cumbersome due to misalignment issues and complex electrical connections, especially when traditional fluorescent fittings cannot be reused, leading to poor illumination homogeneity and difficult access to the LED panel's power supply.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket arrangement with alignment edges and hooks that allows for accurate positioning and easy electrical connection of LED panels within troffers, featuring a stepped profile and elongated slots for secure mounting and hinging, facilitating straightforward installation and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LED panels are mounted using traditional fluorescent tube fittings, then the existing troffer structure can be reused, but the LED panels cannot be properly aligned resulting in poor illumination homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the troffer structure and the LED panel. The bracket includes alignment features such as alignment edges and positioning elements that ensure precise positioning of the LED panel within the troffer, while still utilizing the existing troffer structure for support.
2Strength
If LED panels are individually mounted using screwing or mounting brackets, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mounting bracket assembly. The bracket integrates alignment features, mounting hooks, and electrical connection access into one component, allowing the installer to achieve secure attachment and proper alignment in a single installation process rather than multiple separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with alignment edges and positioning features before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the bracket is installed in the troffer, the LED panel automatically aligns correctly without requiring additional adjustment steps during installation.
3Strength
If LED panels are affixed to the troffer, then secure mounting is achieved, but electrical connection becomes difficult as the ballast or driver is no longer accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting and electrical connection functions into separate accessible areas. The mounting bracket secures the LED panel in position while leaving the electrical connection points (ballast or driver) accessible through designated openings or access points in the bracket structure, allowing electrical connections to be made without removing the panel.
4Manufacturing precision
If mounting brackets are used to secure LED panels, then proper positioning is achieved, but the risk of losing fasteners during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates captive fasteners nested within the mounting bracket structure. The fasteners are retained within recesses or slots in the bracket, preventing them from being lost during installation. This nested design ensures that all necessary fastening components remain with the bracket assembly throughout the installation process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
A mounting bracket arrangement is disclosed for retrofitting an LED panel (20) in between opposing end surfaces of a troffer (60). The mounting bracket arrangement comprises a pair of mounting brackets (10), each mounting bracket comprising a major edge (111) for abutting the mounting bracket against one of said end surfaces; an alignment edge (103) extending transversely from the major edge; an affixing portion (130) having a contact surface for contacting a roof section (65) of the troffer; and a mounting hook (140) extending from the affixing portion for hanging the LED panel from the mounting bracket. A LED panel retrofit kit and method of fitting such a retrofit kit in a troffer using such a mounting bracket arrangement are also disclosed.