Universal Recessed Light Module with Interchangeable Trim Brackets

Solution Overview

Problem

Current recessed lighting systems require consumers and manufacturers to purchase and store multiple components for different sizes, leading to increased costs due to a lack of interchangeability between trim, light module, and housing sizes.

Innovation Solution

A universal light module that can fit with multiple sized trims and housings, utilizing a set of brackets on the trim and housing to ensure compatibility, allowing a single module to work with various housing sizes and trim types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current recessed lighting systems use specifically designed interoperate components for each size, then the system provides precise fit and reliable operation, but consumers must purchase multiple components and manufacturers must produce and store every combination, leading to increased costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem interoperabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The light module is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple trim sizes and housing types through standardized mounting brackets. The module includes adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow it to fit different cavity sizes while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections, eliminating the need for size-specific components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate interchangeable components: a universal light module, multiple trim options with different flange sizes, and housing components. Each component maintains standardized connection interfaces that allow independent selection and combination, enabling consumers to mix and match components without requiring complete system repurchases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manufacturers produce and store every combination of trim, light module, and housing to meet consumer needs, then all size requirements can be met, but storage costs and inventory complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize compatibilityVSAvoidinventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light module is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple trim sizes and housing types through standardized mounting brackets. The module includes adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow it to fit different cavity sizes while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections, eliminating the need for size-specific components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows consumers to change parameters such as trim size and housing type while using the same universal light module. The mounting brackets and adjustment mechanisms enable the module to adapt to different dimensional parameters without requiring redesign, simplifying inventory requirements for manufacturers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If consumers purchase new components to make a trim size change, then the system can be adapted to different sizes, but costs increase for consumers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrim size flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent purchases

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate interchangeable components: a universal light module, multiple trim options with different flange sizes, and housing components. Each component maintains standardized connection interfaces that allow independent selection and combination, enabling consumers to mix and match components without requiring complete system repurchases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light module is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple trim sizes and housing types through standardized mounting brackets. The module includes adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow it to fit different cavity sizes while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections, eliminating the need for size-specific components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9581302B2Recessed lighting module with interchangeable trims

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 DANESH MICHAEL D

AI summary

A recessed lighting system is provided. The recessed lighting system a universal light module to emit light through a light transmissive cover, a plurality of trims wherein each trim has the same means for attaching to the light module and the same size opening that aligns with the light transmissive cover of the module, but have different flange widths; and a plurality of different size recessed lighting fixture housings that each include an annular cavity to receive the light module attached to one of the trims. Each of the cavities is differently sized and is coupled to the trims using support brackets on the trims.