Self-aligning connector for a light fixture
A self-aligning connector assembly for a light fixture. In some embodiments, the self-aligning connector assembly includes a base and a self-alignment component. The base includes a first alignment feature extending from a platform and a first electrical contact, and the self-alignment component includes a second alignment feature and a second electrical contact. When the self-alignment component is positioned over and then released onto the base, the first alignment feature mates with the second alignment feature which causes rotation of the self-alignment component under the force of gravity, resulting in operably connecting the first electrical contact to the second electrical contact.
1. A self-aligning connector assembly for a light fixture comprising:
a base comprising a first alignment feature including a first fin extending from a platform and extending radially from a central post and a first electrical contact; and
a self-alignment component comprising a second alignment feature including a cavity defining a spiral angle, and a second electrical contact;
wherein when the self-alignment component is positioned over and then released onto the base, the first alignment feature mates with the second alignment feature which causes rotation of the self-alignment component about the central post under the force of gravity, resulting in operably connecting the first electrical contact to the second electrical contact.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an electronics component operably connected to the self-alignment component.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the electronics component comprises electrical circuitry operable to control the operation of a light fixture.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the central post has a bullet shaped nose extending from the platform.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first fin and a second fin extend radially from opposite sides of the central post.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second alignment feature comprises a sloped cavity is peanut-shaped and formed about a central hole in the self-alignment component.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the sloped, peanut shaped cavity comprises the spiral angle of about fifteen degrees.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the sloped, peanut shaped cavity comprises the spiral angle of about thirty degrees.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the sloped, peanut shaped cavity comprises the spiral angle of about forty-five degrees.
10. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the second alignment feature further comprises at least one slot in the peanut-shaped cavity for mating with the first fin extending from the platform of the base.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the self-alignment component further comprises at least one locking mechanism.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the at least one locking mechanism comprises a locking flap configured to engage with the central post of the base.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the at least one locking mechanism further comprises a locking handle connected to the locking flap and configured for disengaging the locking flap from the central post.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the central post further comprises at least one notch configured for locking engagement with the locking flap.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light fixture comprises an outdoor light fixture comprising a lamp head connected to a lamp post, and wherein the base is affixed on a top portion of the lamp head.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base and the self-alignment component are generally circular.
17. A self-aligning connector assembly comprising:
a base comprising a first alignment feature including a first fin extending from a platform and extending radially from a central post and a first electrical contact; and
a self-alignment component comprising a second alignment feature including a cavity defining a spiral angle, and a second electrical contact;
wherein when the self-alignment component is positioned over and then released onto the base, the first alignment feature mates with the second alignment feature which causes rotation of the self-alignment component about the central post under the force of gravity, resulting in operably connecting the first electrical contact to the second electrical contact.