High-power recessed lighting track

Abstract

A track system designed to efficiently manage power distribution and control for multiple light fixtures. The system comprises a track with a plurality of parallel circuits, each capable of powering light fixtures up to a maximum load. A power source is connected to each circuit, ensuring adequate power supply. A controller is integrated into the system, generating and transmitting control signals. Each light fixture mounted on the track includes a processor, an identification module, and a power-enable component, allowing for independent operation and control. The master controller communicates with the processors in each fixture to manage their operation, including selecting which circuit to draw power from, thereby optimizing load distribution across the circuits. This configuration allows the system to exceed standard power limits for a single circuit, providing enhanced power capabilities through multiple circuits, while maintaining efficient and independent control of each light fixture.

Description

HIGH-POWER RECESSED LIGHTING TRACKCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to, or benefit of, US provisional application No. 63 / 566,654, filed March 18, 2024, the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND(a) Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed generally relates to lighting and other electric accessories. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed relates to powering management of light fixtures mounted to a track or a series of tracks such as a recessed housing.(b) Related Prior Art

[0003] With recess low-power lighting, there is a challenge in the limited power a recess lighting may provide to a load before having to duplicate electrical connections and other hardware. Therefore, a challenge arises to face the standards limit track systems that are in the United States, e.g. a hundred (100) Watts, without multiplication of hardware, increasing cost and labor associated.

[0004] Furthermore, with recesses lightings, connecting multiple sections requires an electrical bridge piece to be placed in the track opening so that one section can transfer power to the next. Doing so creates restrictions in the placement of the track components, since the sections ends are occupied by the electric bridge.

[0005] Finally, with nowadays available recesses lightings, in a single conductor track, individual components cannot be addressed independently, meaning that all components within the same track are controlled as one, thus limiting the lighting and other connected products.

[0006] There is therefore a need for innovation and improvements in the field either providing more opportunities of use of electric accessories, simplifying the installation or control of electric accessories, or improving the esthetic following the installation of electric accessories.SUMMARY

[0007] According to a problem-solution perspective, the technique described here aims to avoid using numerous circuits to couple numerous light fixtures to track(s), which leads to cumbersome setups. The technique described here further aims to avoid following meticulously the load coupled to each of the tracks. These downfalls are avoided by having the electric fixtures coupled simultaneously to a plurality of circuits of a track, and coupling dynamically and individually each of the light fixtures to one of the circuits to keep the load generated by the light fixtures on each of the circuits under a maximum load.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a track for installing an electric accessories therein, including: a longitudinally extruded body including a first wall, a second wall, a third wall joining the first wall and the second wall, and an opening between the first wall and the second wall opposed to the third wall, wherein the body defines a first room bounded by the first wall and the third wall, a second room bounded by the second wall and the third wall, and a pair of extrusions extending longitudinally respectively within the first room and within the second room, the extrusions extending over a length defined between a first end and a second end of the extrusions, including at least two connections extending longitudinally over the length, wherein the recessed housing is designed to receive electric accessories to be mounted to the housing connecting to the connections.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a track, e.g., a recessed housing for installing electric accessories therein, including: a body housing a pair of insulated component each including a plurality of connections set therein, and a controller, wherein numerous electric accessoriesare mountable to the recessed housing, with the electric accessories being able to be powered and controlled independently from any one of powered connections.

[0010] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system including: a track having a plurality of circuits, including at least two powered circuits adapted to be coupled to a power source; a master controller connected to a control circuit, the master controller adapted to generate and transmit control signals over the control circuit; and a plurality of fixtures mounted to the track, each one of the plurality of fixtures being coupled to the plurality of circuits, each one of the plurality of fixtures having a processor, an ID, an internal circuitry, and a power-enable component, wherein the master controller is adapted to generate and transmit the control signals to the plurality of fixtures over the control circuit, and wherein the plurality of fixtures are adapted to interpret the control signals and control their internal circuitry accordingly thereby selecting which one of the at least two powered circuits to draw power from to power up the power-enable component, thereby the master controller is adapted to limit load over each of the at least two powered circuits.

[0011] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the control circuit is one of the at least two powered circuits.

[0012] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the at least two powered circuits include a first powered circuit having a first load thereon up to a first maximum load, and wherein the control circuit is distinct from the first powered circuit, the control circuit having a control load up to a maximum control load substantially smaller than the first maximum load.

[0013] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the first load is generated by a subset of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto that are drawing power from the first powered circuit.

[0014] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the control load is generated by the plurality of fixtures coupled to the track, the control load being based of power level for the plurality of fixtures to interpret the control signals and to control their internal circuitry.

[0015] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein electric power transmitted over the first powered circuit is through direct current.

[0016] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the control circuit is powered with electric direct current.

[0017] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the load is limited to a maximum load regarding at least one of: i) a limit wattage; ii) a limit voltage; iii) a limit amperage; and iv) a limit reached among any one of the limit wattage, the limit voltage and the limit amperage.

[0018] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the plurality of fixtures are light fixtures.

[0019] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the track includes a pair of rooms extending parallel to one another, with an opening in-between, wherein each one of the plurality of circuits includes a wiring extend in each one of the rooms.

[0020] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the opening extends along an axis, wherein the plurality of circuits are distributed along the axis .

[0021] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the master controller generates the control signals according to a signal-over-power protocol.

[0022] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the master controller includes memory storing instruction codes and a database of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto.

[0023] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture system, wherein the database includes a list of IDs of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto and at least one individual load value associated with each one of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto.

[0024] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a track system including: a plurality of parallel circuits extending therethrough and electrically insulated from one another, the plurality of parallel circuits including at least two powered circuits adapted to be powered by at least one power source; and a master controller connected to a control circuit among the plurality of parallel circuits, the master controller adapted to generate and transmit signals over the control circuit, wherein the track system is adapted for fixtures to be mounted thereto and coupled simultaneously to the plurality of parallel circuits, and wherein the master controller is adapted to generate and transmit control signals to the fixtures over the control circuit, whereby controlling for each of the fixtures from which one of the at least two powered circuits to draw power from, thereby limiting load over each one of the at least two powered circuits up to a maximum load.

[0025] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a track system, wherein the control circuit is one of the at least two powered circuits.

[0026] In some aspects, the description herein relates to a track system, wherein the at least two powered circuits include a first powered circuit having a first load thereon up to a first maximum load, and wherein the control circuit is distinct from the first powered circuit, the control circuit having a control load up to a maximum control load substantially smaller than the first maximum load.

[0027] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture including: a plurality of pairs of terminals, the plurality of pairs of terminals beingadapted for the electric fixture to be coupled simultaneously to a plurality of circuits including at least two powered circuits coupled to a power source; an internal circuitry electrically coupled to the terminals; an ID; a power-enable component; and a processor adapted to exchange control signals with a master controller over one of the plurality of pairs of terminals, the processor being adapted to receive and interpret the control signals, and to control the internal circuitry to draw power from a single one of the at least two powered circuits accordingly.

[0028] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture, wherein the processor is adapted to exchange signals via a signal-over-power protocol.

[0029] In some aspects, the description herein relates to an electric fixture, wherein the terminals are adapted to be DC powered.

[0030] Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0032] Fig. 1 is an elevation front cross-section view of a recessed housing in accordance with an embodiment;

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a recessed track comprising a recessed housings, an end component and a joint component in accordance with an embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 3 is a perspective partially exploded view of the recessed track of Fig. 2 with the joint component moved away from two recessed housings in accordance with an embodiment;

[0035] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the recessed track of Fig. 2 depicting the recessed portion of the recessed track and the portion of the recessed track to be mounted to the mounting surface in accordance with an embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of components of a recessed track in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] Fig. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a recessed housing in accordance with an embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 7 is a perspective exploded view of a joint component of a recessed track in accordance with an embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a recessed track featuring a direction change of 90 degrees over the plane formed by a mounting surface in accordance with an embodiment, with the mounting surface not depicted;

[0040] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a recessed track featuring a direction change of 90 degrees over the plane formed by a fist mounting surface, and the recessed track continuing over a second mounting surface and a third mounting surface joining the first mounting surface in accordance with an embodiment, with the mounting surfaces not depicted;

[0041] Fig. 10 is a top view of an end portion of a recessed housing showing connectors bent in accordance with an embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 11 is an elevation view of a portion of a recessed housing depicting electrical connectors bent at their ends in accordance with an embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 12 is an elevation view of a portion of a recessed housing depicting electrical connectors mounted to gutter-like components in accordance with an embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a joint with an electrical bridge comprising sleeves and pogo pins in accordance with an embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 14 is a cross-section view of portions of two recessed housings and of a joint component according to a transversal plane perpendicular to a receiving surface, the cross-section view depicting electrical surfaces a light fixture may be coupled to in accordance with an embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 15 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary circuit assembly comprising a plurality of circuits, a plurality of power sources powering individually the circuits, a plurality of light fixtures coupled to the circuit assembly, and a controller signaling the light fixtures coupled to the circuit assembly in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0047] Fig. 16 is block diagram depicting a master controller in accordance with an embodiment.

[0048] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The realizations will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which realizations are illustrated. The foregoing may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated realizations set forth herein.

[0050] With respect to the present description, references to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations ofconjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term "or" should generally be understood to mean "and / or" and so forth.

[0051] Recitation of ranges of values and of values herein or on the drawings are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words “about”, “approximately”, or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and / or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described realizations. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as”, or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the exemplary realizations and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the realizations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the realizations. The use of the term “substantially” is intended to mean “for the most part” or “essentially” depending on the context. It is to be construed as indicating that some deviation from the word it qualifies is acceptable as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for the intended purpose.

[0052] In the following description, it is understood that terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0053] The terms "top", “up”, “upper”, "bottom", “lower”, “down”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “interior” and “exterior” and the like are intended to be construed in their normal meaning in relation with normal installation of the product, e.g., the opening of the recessed housings facing downward.

[0054] It should further be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and / or such joining may allow for the flow of electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0055] In realizations, there are disclosed recessed housings and recessed housing assemblies, wherein the recessed housings can be installed in different orientations, thereby having the opening of the recessed housings typically facing downward, but being possible to face e.g., sideward.

[0056] Referring now to Fig. 1 , a recessed housing 102 comprises, typically a longitudinal extrusion made of e.g., aluminum that has a length 114 (Fig. 6), a width 112, and an opening 122 extending sideways from a center plane 105. The recessed housing 102 features on both sides of the opening 122 a mounting wing 132 for mounting the recessed housing 102 to a receiving surface, e.g., a gypsum sheet 200, in which a groove 202 has been cut off to receive the recessed housing 102. The longitudinal extrusion forms a first longitudinal room 142 and a second longitudinal room 144 extending from a side wall 143, 145 to about the opening 122. An end wall 147, opposed to the opening 122, joins the side walls 143, 145.

[0057] Therefore, in other words, he recessed housing 102 has an external wall 140 (comprising the walls 143, 145) defining an enclosure 141 therein dividable into the first longitudinal room 142 and the second longitudinal room 144, and a mouth, also known as an opening 122 providing access to the enclosure 141 with one room on one side and the other room on the opposite side of a plane,e.g., longitudinal plane comprising the center plane 105, passing through the opening 122.

[0058] In a typical realization, installation of the recessed housing 102 into the groove 202 of the gypsum sheet 200, with the mounting wings 132 extending over the space between the edge of the gypsum sheet 200 and the recessed housing 102. The recessed housing 102 is mounted with e.g., screws or doublesided tape, and mudding is set over the mounting wings 132 to keep almost only the opening 122 visible.

[0059] Mounted to the recessed housing 102 are e.g., polymer, insulation extrusions 152 designed to fill up the rooms 142, 144. Electric connectors 156, e.g., copper threads, are co-extruded, extending longitudinally in the insulation extrusions 152, for providing a number of electric circuits within the recessed housing 102.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the number of electric circuits (or pairs of contacts) is more than one, at least two or plurality of electric circuits comprising at least two or plurality of electric connectors 156 or wiring extending on one side of the recessed housing 102 and a corresponding plurality of electric connectors 156 extending on the opposed side of the recessed housing 102. A fixture inserted therein have connectors extending on opposed sides and connecting to the electric connectors electric connectors 156 to thereby be powered.

[0061] According to an embodiment, there are four pairs of such connectors 156, facing each other within the enclosure 141 , as shown in Fig. 1.

[0062] Each pair of contacts within an enclosure 141 is used for power transportation and distribution through the recessed track housing, or connected plurality thereof forming an electrically continuous sequence thereof.

[0063] Each pair of contacts within an enclosure 141 is used for power transportation and distribution according to a given power rating. For example, inthe prior art, and according to standards for electric lighting tracks, a maximum power rating is a hundred (100) watts.

[0064] The present embodiment provides a device in which the enclosure 141 for the electric contacts of the recessed track lighting comprises a plurality of pairs of contacts which each transport a given electric power to parts of the recessed track lighting comprising a plurality of distinct and separate segment which may be connected sequentially to form an uninterrupted power line. Whether or not the recessed track lighting is made of such a plurality of sequential segments connected together or a single one, the plurality of pairs of connectors 156 all within the enclosure 141 and all ultimately connected to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB 162), and are used to provide an augmented power which can be higher than the typical standard limit of a hundred (100) watts thanks to the plurality of pairs of contacts offering a greater overall surface of conduction for power distribution, all in an enclosed manner within the enclosure eat the center of the recessed housing unit for the light fixture. This provides higher power possibilities for a single lighting track.

[0065] A Printed Circuit Board, PCB 162, connected to a power source, is mounted in one realization on top of the recessed housing 102 and at least partially, or alternatively having pins 164 extending through the end wall 147 or at one end of the recessed housing 102 to connect to and power electric circuits housed in the recessed housing 102. Accordingly, the PCB 162 is designed to power the electric connectors 156, thereby powering a number of one to, e.g., as depicted, four (4) electric circuits available to power electric accessories.

[0066] According to a realization, the recessed housing 102 features about the end wall 147 a pair of grooves 136 facing the center plane 105 of the recessed housing 102 and each other. The grooves 136 is designed for a mounting component, e.g., a magnetic band 138 to be mounted thereto, with the, e.g., magnetism allowing to easily mount electric accessories in the recessed housing 102 with the electric accessories clinging to the magnetic band 138 and beingdesigned to connect to electric connectors 156, to one electric connector 156 in the first longitudinal room 142 and to the corresponding connector 156 in the second longitudinal room 144. Numerous electric accessories are mountable to the recessed housing, with at least a first one of the electric accessories being possible to be powered and controllable independently from a second one of the electric accessories when connected to a distinct one of the electric circuits connected to the PCB, all at an overall power which may advantageously exceed a hundred (100) watts in a safe way tanks to the provided pairs of contacts all being enclosed in the small-footprint recessed housing for a light fixture.

[0067] It is worth mentioning that depending on regulations, maximum power, aka load, is allowed and regulated for low-voltage electric circuits. For instance, the regulated maximum load is of a hundred (100) Watts and a current of 5 Amperes. In the current practice in North America, desire to install electric accessories summing up to more than that maximum load requires to install additional e.g., recessed housings, each necessitating electrical connections and other hardware requirements. With the present realization, the since the PCB 162 can power numeral circuits, the recessed housing 102 may house electric accessories that have a sum up load that exceeds the regulated maximum power if the individual loads associated with each of the circuit are at most equal to the maximum regulated power.

[0068] Furthermore, as depicted hereinafter, since the recessed housing 102 are combinable into an assembly of numerous recessed housings 102 connected to each other, e.g., electric accessories spread over a great length can be mounted to the same electric circuit while respected the regulated limits. Thus, assemblies of recessed housings 102 can provide longer runs of uninterrupted power and electric accessories controls.

[0069] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may relate, without limitation, to a system in which a track of recessed housings comprises an electrically uninterrupted sequence of track segments, i.e., unit of recessedhousings, which are assembled together sequentially and continuously to provide an uninterrupted electrical connection from each recessed housing to the next forming the track sequence.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 2 where a perspective view of a portion of a recessed housing assembly 190 comprising two recessed housings 102, an end component 172 and a joint component 174 is depicted, the recessed housing assembly 190 designed to be mounted as illustrated on Fig. 1.

[0071] In the exemplary realization, the recessed housings 102 are mounted, with the joint component 174 and the end component 172 e.g., clipped to the recessed housings 102, before applying the mudding. Depicted are screw holes 134 present in the mounting wings 132, for screwing the recessed housings 102 to, a gypsum ceiling (for example and without limitation).

[0072] Referring now to Fig. 3, in the depicted example featuring a single electric circuit, aka a single length of electric connector per insulation extrusion, the end component 172 comprises wings 176 designed to extend between the mounting wings 132 of the neighboring recessed housings 102, and connectors 178, 179 designed to extend the electric circuit by connecting the electric connectors 156 of a powered recessed housing 102 to the electric connectors 156 of a recessed housing 102 powered therethrough.

[0073] Distant to the surface, aka the mounting wings 132, are connection components 182, 183 designed to connect the recessed housing 102 and provide a standard distance between the recessed housings 102 of a recessed housing assembly 190.

[0074] Referring to Fig. 4, it is depicted a top perspective view of the portion of a recessed housing assembly of Fig. 2. It is to be noted that the recessed housing 102 are mounted to each other through the articulated connection components 182, 183 mounted to the outside surface of the recessed housing 102 distant from the opening 122, aka the back of the recessed housing 102.

[0075] In a typical embodiment, one connection component 182 is a male connection component, and the other connection component 183 is a female connection component, designed to connect to each other. According to an embodiment, the connection components 182, 183 are slidably mounted to the back of the recessed housing 102 through the external recesses 126 (Fig. 1 ).

[0076] According to a realization, the end component 172 is mounted to a first recessed housing 102 in the same way.

[0077] Referring additionally to Fig. 5, it is depicted a perspective exploded view of the end component 172 designed to house the PCB 162 using a PCB holder 166, with a magnetic band 138 extending below. The end component 172 comprises hooks 173 extending longitudinally and designed to hook to the back of the recessed housing 102 for the end component 172 to remain firmly attached thereto.

[0078] Referring to Fig. 6, it is depicted a perspective exploded view of a recessed housing 102 comprising the extruded body 108, the insulation extrusions 152 comprising electric connectors 156, a magnetic band 138 and a pair of caps 186

[0079] Referring to Fig. 7, it is depicted a perspective exploded view of a joint component 174 to be connected to a recessed housing 102 in accordance with an embodiment. The 174 comprises a body 188 having substantially the same shape as the recessed housing 102, and a pair of connectors 178 mounted inside the joint component 174 and designed to extend e.g., one electric circuit.

[0080] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 depict that the recessed track made of combination of recessed housings may take many shapes, including changes in directions in a general plane, and changes of planes associated with e.g., joining walls according to an obtuse angle or according to an acute angle.

[0081] Figs. 10 and 11 depicts a first embodiment of electric connectors consisting of bands of metallic material, e.g., copper bands that are curved toextend beyond the edges of the side walls to feature free edge surfaces for electrical connections to a neighbor recessed housing. According to an embodiment, the copper bands are mounted to mounting component electrically insulating the copper bands from the extruded body.

[0082] Fig. 12 depicts an alternative embodiment wherein the electric connectors are made of thicker material, inserted in a gutter-like component each insulating the electric connector from the extrusion body on one side of the extrusion body.

[0083] Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 depict an embodiment of a joint component adapted to bridge electrically two neighbor recessed housings. The joint component comprises an extrusion component and two sets of electrical bridges mounted inside the internal recess on each side. The electrical bridges according to an embodiment comprise pogo pins mounted to sleeve, with the pogo pins being able to adopt a more or less compressed, aka inserted, position in the sleeve based on the relative position of the pogo pins when pressed against the electric connector of the recessed housings. According to an embodiment, the extrusion component has a shape similar to the one of the recessed housings. The extrusion component is further adapted to insert in the connection component 183 (see Fig. 4). The sleeves further comprise a band extending between its ends, electrical coupled with the pogo pins, so has to provide an uninterrupted surface in the track recess able to power a light fixture, even in the joint component.

[0084] Referring additionally to Fig. 7, it is reminded that other embodiments of electrical bridges made of more of less components, down to e.g., a single component having e.g., a compressible electrical contact wings, electrically coupling surface(s) and electrically insulating surface(s).

[0085] Referring now to Fig. 15, the figure illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary circuit assembly designed to manage power distribution and control fora series of light fixtures mounted to the circuit assembly. The diagram includes several key components, each labeled with reference numerals for clarity.

[0086] Numeral reference 230: This Numeral reference refers to an exemplary embodiment comprising a circuit assembly and light fixtures mounted to the circuit assembly.

[0087] Numeral reference 210: This component represents the light fixtures, each of which is connected to the circuit assembly 230, and more precisely to a plurality of circuits of the circuit assembly 230. The fixtures are equipped with internal circuitry that allows them to be powered and controlled independently.

[0088] Numeral reference 212: This element within each light fixture 210 is a processor or control unit that manages the operation of the fixture, including receiving and executing commands from the master controller. Commands includes the light fixture 210 to electrically couple to or disconnect from one or more circuits such that the light fixture 210 provides a load to a single one of the powered circuits 218.

[0089] Numeral reference 214: This component represents an identification (ID) module within the light fixture, allowing each fixture to be uniquely identified and addressed by the master controller.

[0090] Numeral reference 216: This part of the light fixture denotes a powerenable component, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), which is activated to emit light when powered.

[0091] Numeral references 218a, 218b, 218c, 218d: These lines represent the plurality of parallel circuits within the track circuit assembly 230. Each circuit 218 is capable of powering mounted light fixtures, with the addressing of the light fixtures to one of the circuits 218 allowing to distribute the light fixtures 210 up to a maximum load per electric circuit 218, such as a hundred (100) watts.

[0092] Numeral reference 220: These blocks symbolize power sources 220 that supply electricity to each of the powered circuits 218a-d. The power sources 220 ensure that the circuits are adequately powered to support the operation of the light fixtures.

[0093] Numeral reference 222: This component is a master controller, which is responsible for generating and transmitting control signals over the circuits. The master controller communicates with the processors 212 in each light fixture to manage their operation, including selecting which circuit to draw power from.

[0094] The configuration depicted in Figure 15 allows for efficient power distribution and control of multiple light fixtures, enabling each fixture to operate independently while maintaining a balanced load across the circuits. This setup is particularly advantageous in systems where the total power requirement exceeds the standard limit for a single circuit, as it allows for higher power capabilities through the use of multiple circuits. The configuration depicted in Figure 15 allows for efficient power distribution and control of multiple light fixtures, enabling each fixture to operate independently while maintaining a balanced load across the circuits. This setup is particularly advantageous in systems where the total power requirement exceeds the standard limit for a single circuit, as it allows for higher power capabilities using multiple circuits.

[0095] Referring to Fig. 16, Fig. 16 depicts a schematic diagram of a master controller 222 associated with the lighting track system. The master controller 222 is responsible for generating and transmitting control signals to manage the operation of the lighting system. Processor 232 is adapted to generate the signals according to a signal-over-power protocol. The master controller 222 further comprises memory 234 storing instructions codes 236 and a database 238 in which information regarding the fixtures coupled to the system is stored.

[0096] The configuration depicted in Figure 16 highlights the control and communication aspects of the lighting track system, emphasizing the role of themaster controller in orchestrating the operation of multiple light fixtures and managing power distribution efficiently.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the number of powered circuits adapted to power up the power-enable components of the fixtures is at least two.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the number of circuits may be the same as the powered circuits, with the signals being transmitted over one or more of the powered circuits adapted for the fixtures to draw power from.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the circuits may consist of a plurality of powered circuits adapted for the fixtures to draw power from to power the powerenable components, and a low-powered circuit adapted for low power and signals to be transmitted thereover; resulting in the fixtures to simultaneously draw power from two circuits: the low-power circuit powering the processor of the fixtures with enough power for the processor of the fixtures to interpret the signals and to control their internal circuitry, and a powered circuit powering the power-enable component when electrically coupled thereto. Accordingly, for instance, two powered circuits may each undergo a load of e.g., up to a hundred (100) Watts, while the low-power circuit may undergo a load of e.g., two (2) Watts. Accordingly, the load of each of the powered circuit is computed based on the fixtures drawing power therefrom, and the level of power drawn per fixture.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the circuits operate with Direct Current (DC).

[0101] According to a mode of computation, the effective load undergone by a circuit is computed as a wattage, and a voltage and an amperage. Maximum load is not reached if none of the wattage, voltage and amperage reach a respective maximum value. As soon as one reaches its maximum value, the maximum load is considered reached.

[0102] Accordingly, in order to be operable in the present system, the electric fixtures 210 comprise a plurality of pairs of terminals (as illustrated in Fig.1 and Fig. 15), each one of the pairs of terminals being adapted to be coupled to a distinct one of a plurality of circuits of a circuit assembly. Whereby, the electric fixture 210 is adapted to be coupled simultaneously to the plurality of circuits with at least two of the plurality of circuits being powered circuits coupled to a power source as depicted in Fig. 15. The electric fixtures 210 further comprise a controllable internal circuitry electrically coupled to the terminals; an ID 214; a power-enable component 216; and a processor 212. The processor 212 is adapted to exchange signals with a master controller. The processor 212 is adapted to receive commands from the master controller through the signals exchanged over at least one of the plurality of circuits. The processor 212 is adapted to control the internal circuitry for the power-enable component 216 to draw power from a single one of the powered circuits accordingly.

[0103] While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . An electric fixture system comprising: a track having a plurality of circuits, including at least two powered circuits adapted to be coupled to a power source; a master controller connected to a control circuit, the master controller adapted to generate and transmit control signals over the control circuit; and a plurality of fixtures mounted to the track, each one of the plurality of fixtures being coupled to the plurality of circuits, each one of the plurality of fixtures having a processor, an ID, an internal circuitry, and a power-enable component, wherein the master controller is adapted to generate and transmit the control signals to the plurality of fixtures over the control circuit, and wherein the plurality of fixtures are adapted to interpret the control signals and control their internal circuitry accordingly thereby selecting which one of the at least two powered circuits to draw power from to power up the power-enable component, thereby the master controller is adapted to limit load over each of the at least two powered circuits.

2. The electric fixture system of claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is one of the at least two powered circuits.

3. The electric fixture system of claim 1 , wherein the at least two powered circuits comprise a first powered circuit having a first load thereon up to a first maximum load, and wherein the control circuit is distinct from the first powered circuit, the control circuit having a control load up to a maximum control load substantially smaller than the first maximum load.

4. The electric fixture system of claim 3, wherein the first load is generated by a subset of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto that are drawing power from the first powered circuit.

5. The electric fixture system of claim 3, wherein the control load is generated by the plurality of fixtures coupled to the track, the control load being based of power level for the plurality of fixtures to interpret the control signals and to control their internal circuitry.

6. The electric fixture system of claim 3, wherein electric power transmitted over the first powered circuit is through direct current.

7. The electric fixture system of claim 3, wherein the control circuit is powered with electric direct current.

8. The electric fixture system of claim 1 , wherein the load is limited to a maximum load regarding at least one of: i) a limit wattage; ii) a limit voltage; iii) a limit amperage; and iv) a limit reached among any one of the limit wattage, the limit voltage and the limit amperage.

9. The electric fixture system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fixtures are light fixtures.

10. The electric fixture system of claim 1 , wherein the track comprises a pair of rooms extending parallel to one another, with an opening in-between, wherein each one of the plurality of circuits comprises a wiring extend in each one of the rooms.11 . The electric fixture system of claim 10, wherein the opening extends along an axis, wherein the plurality of circuits are distributed along the axis .

12. The electric fixture system of claim 1 , wherein the master controller generates the control signals according to a signal-over-power protocol.

13. The electric fixture system of claim 1 , wherein the master controller comprises memory storing instruction codes and a database of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto.

14. The electric fixture system of claim 13, wherein the database comprises a list of IDs of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto and at least one individual load value associated with each one of the plurality of fixtures coupled thereto.

15. A track system comprising: a plurality of parallel circuits extending therethrough and electrically insulated from one another, the plurality of parallel circuits comprising at least two powered circuits adapted to be powered by at least one power source; and a master controller connected to a control circuit among the plurality of parallel circuits, the master controller adapted to generate and transmit signals over the control circuit, wherein the track system is adapted for fixtures to be mounted thereto and coupled simultaneously to the plurality of parallel circuits, and wherein the master controller is adapted to generate and transmit control signals to the fixtures over the control circuit, whereby controlling for each of the fixtures from which one of the at least two powered circuits to draw power from, thereby limiting load over each one of the at least two powered circuits up to a maximum load.

16. The track system of claim 15, wherein the control circuit is one of the at least two powered circuits.

17. The track system of claim 15, wherein the at least two powered circuits comprise a first powered circuit having a first load thereon up to a first maximum load, and wherein the control circuit is distinct from the first powered circuit, the control circuit having a control load up to a maximum control load substantially smaller than the first maximum load.

18. An electric fixture comprising: a plurality of pairs of terminals, the plurality of pairs of terminals being adapted for the electric fixture to be coupled simultaneously to a plurality of circuits comprising at least two powered circuits coupled to a power source; an internal circuitry electrically coupled to the terminals; an ID; a power-enable component; and a processor adapted to exchange control signals with a master controller over one of the plurality of pairs of terminals, the processor being adapted to receive and interpret the control signals, and to control the internal circuitry to draw power from a single one of the at least two powered circuits accordingly.

19. The electric fixture of claim 18, wherein the processor is adapted to exchange signals via a signal-over-power protocol.

20. The electric fixture of claim 18, wherein the terminals are adapted to be DC powered.

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