Furniture Actuator Junction Box for Flexible Orientation Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator systems for furniture, such as hospital beds and treatment tables, lack flexibility in the placement of orientation lighting, which is typically integrated within control units, limiting its positioning and independence from the main control system.
Innovation Solution
The actuator system features a junction box with a separate control unit for orientation lighting, allowing for flexible placement and independence from the main control unit, with a power supply and rechargeable battery package, enabling continuous low-energy operation or automatic switching based on light sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the orientation lighting is integrated within the control unit, then the system structure is simplified, but the flexibility in placement of the orientation lighting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate functional modules: the main control unit and the orientation lighting are separated and connected via a junction box. This segmentation allows the orientation lighting to be independently positioned at different locations (head, foot, or side of the bed) without affecting the main control unit, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and placement flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the orientation lighting is placed in a fixed location within the control unit, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the adaptability to different furniture configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The junction box serves as a universal interface that can accommodate orientation lighting in multiple locations (head, foot, or side of the bed). The standardized connection through the junction box maintains ease of manufacture while enabling the system to adapt to different furniture configurations and user preferences, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and configurational adaptability.
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
This configuration allows for flexible and energy-efficient placement of orientation lighting, enhancing user navigation and staff convenience without constant main light usage, while maintaining system functionality even when not connected to the mains.
Implementation Method 1
a control box connected to the actuator(s) with a mains-based power supply and typically also a rechargeable battery package
Implementation Method 2
Another possibility is a light sensitive switch, which automatically switches on the orientation lighting when the light level in the room falls below a certain intensity
Implementation Method 3
when using light diodes as light source, this is minimal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An electrical actuator system, especially for hospital and care beds and treatment tables, comprising a number of actuators (6,7;10,11), a control box (12) with a mains-based power supply, and typically also a rechargeable battery package and a control unit with a microprocessor, a number of controls (15,16), an orientation light (17) for mounting under the bed. The system comprises at least one junction box (13,14) and the orientation lighting is, with its own control unit, located in this. This enables a flexible location of the lighting.