Universal Grille Mount with Sliding Spring Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grille mounting systems require different spring configurations for various housing sizes, making it necessary to replace the entire fixture assembly when changing grilles, which is inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A universal grille mount with adjustable sliding spring clips that can accommodate different housing slot spacings, allowing a single grille to fit multiple standard housings by adjusting the positioning of the spring clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different spring configurations are used for various housing sizes, then proper mating with housing slots is achieved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip assembly is designed with a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple housing sizes (7.25''×7.5'', 9.25''×9.25'', 10''×10'') through a single configurable component. The slide mount allows the spring clip position to be adjusted along the grille perimeter, enabling one grille design to fit various standard housings without requiring different spring configurations for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip assembly incorporates a slide mount mechanism that enables dynamic repositioning of the spring clips along the grille perimeter. This sliding adjustment allows the mounting system to adapt its configuration based on the specific housing size and slot spacing, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic one that can respond to different installation requirements.
2Reliability
If different V-shaped springs are used for different slot lengths, then proper compression and affixing are achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to the need to replace entire fixture assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into interchangeable components: the grille, the spring clips, and the slide mount mechanism. This segmentation allows the spring clips to be independently adjusted and repositioned without replacing the entire grille or fixture assembly. Users can modify the mounting configuration by sliding the clips to different positions, making grille changes convenient and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mount mechanism provides dynamic adjustability, allowing spring clips to be repositioned along the grille perimeter to match different housing slot locations. This dynamic capability eliminates the need to replace entire fixture assemblies when changing grilles or adapting to different housing sizes, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed spring positions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different housing slot spacings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip assembly is designed as a universal mounting component that can accommodate multiple housing sizes and slot spacings through a single configurable design. The slide mount mechanism allows the same spring clip assembly to be adapted to different housing configurations (7.25''×7.5'', 9.25''×9.25'', 10''×10'') without requiring multiple specialized components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mount introduces dynamic repositioning capability to an otherwise simple spring clip design. This allows the mounting system to adapt to different housing slot spacings while maintaining a straightforward manufacturing process for the base components. The adjustability is achieved through the sliding mechanism rather than through complex custom-designed springs for each housing size.
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
Enables consumers to easily change grilles without replacing the entire fixture assembly, providing flexibility and cost savings by using a single grille with adjustable mounts to fit various housing sizes.
Implementation Method 1
Spring mounts are generally V-shaped and are biased to expand the V-shaped spring. The springs are compressed to slide into a slot in the housing and when spread, keep the grille affixed to the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mount includes a first grille surface configured to face a fixture. The universal mount includes a pair of opposing rails that extend from the first grille surface, wherein each of the rails has a lateral extension, the lateral extensions facing each other forming a gap. The universal mount includes a slide arranged between the first grille surface and the lateral extensions and configured to move along the pair of rails. The universal mount includes at least one end wall arranged at a lateral end of the pair of rails configured to limit movement of the slide.