Wall Wash Luminaire Spring Retention for Flush Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminaire designs face issues with unreliable retention, non-uniform mounting, high manufacturing costs, limited adjustability, and unsightly installation, particularly in wall-wash applications, where maintaining a flush position and adjustable light distribution are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A recessed luminaire with a spring assembly retainer for reliable retention, tiltable design, and adjustable beam spread, utilizing a coil spring mechanism for easy installation and replacement, along with a tilt mechanism for angular adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retention mechanisms (screw clamping, ball plungers, knife-edge) are used to secure the luminaire, then the luminaire can be held against the mounting surface, but over time they sag and fail to maintain flush position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring mechanism that allows the luminaire to maintain constant contact pressure with the mounting surface. The spring-loaded retention member automatically adjusts to thickness variations and maintains flush positioning through continuous elastic force, eliminating the sagging problem of static mechanical fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the retention force parameter dynamically, providing consistent contact pressure regardless of mounting surface variations. The elastic deformation of the spring allows the system to adapt to different ceiling thicknesses while maintaining reliable retention and flush positioning.
2Area of stationary object
If a small hole is drilled in the mounting surface to accommodate the luminaire, then the flange size is minimized and the design is aesthetically pleasing, but existing retention mechanisms require larger holes and trim covers
Solution Approach 1:
The spring retention member is nested within the luminaire housing and extends through a minimal opening in the mounting surface. This nested configuration allows the retention mechanism to function reliably while requiring only a small hole, eliminating the need for large trim covers and achieving aesthetic appeal.
3Ease of operation
If gear drive mechanisms or multiple-bar kinematic chain mechanisms are used for light redirection adjustment, then discrete incremental adjustments can be made, but the mechanisms are high in cost due to high tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms (gear drives, kinematic chains) with a simpler tilt mechanism that uses a single degree of freedom pivot point. This substitution maintains adjustability functionality while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating high-tolerance mechanical components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed optics are used in the luminaire, then the light distribution is determined by the lens optics, but the adjustability of light distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire incorporates a tiltable optical assembly that can be adjusted to different angles relative to the mounting surface. This dynamic positioning capability allows the fixed optics to redirect light distribution adaptively, providing versatility in illuminating different wall areas without requiring multiple fixed optical configurations.
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
The luminaire ensures secure, aesthetically pleasing installation across varying mounting thicknesses, allows for cost-effective adjustability of light distribution, and facilitates easy component replacement without damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil spring at least partially disposed within a first spring housing, said first coil spring having a first end extending through the first spring housing and coupled to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A wall wash light assembly includes a light source generating light, a lower body comprising a bottom surface defining a plane and a lens coupled to said lower body extending from the plane defined by the lower body.