Articulated LED Modules for Independent Pan and Tilt Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminaire systems with light emitting diodes (LEDs) lack the ability to adjust individual LEDs independently within a light curtain or other luminaires, limiting the precision and flexibility in directing light beams.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling LED devices in luminaires that allows both synchronized and independent movement of LEDs, enabling each light-emitting module to be individually adjusted for pan and tilt motions, in addition to global tilting and panning, through the use of motorized drive mechanisms and communication links for remote control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual LED movement control is added to enable independent adjustment of each light emitter, then positioning precision and light direction accuracy are improved, but device complexity and control system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire system is segmented into multiple independently controllable LED modules, each with its own drive mechanism. This allows individual positioning control of each light emitter while maintaining modular architecture that manages complexity through standardization of control units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static LED positioning to dynamic, adjustable positioning where each LED can be independently moved to different positions and orientations. This enables real-time adaptation of light patterns and positioning precision without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If individual LED movement control is added to enable independent adjustment of each light emitter, then light direction accuracy is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight direction accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal control system architecture is implemented that can manage both synchronized group movements and individual LED adjustments through a single interface. This multi-functional approach allows the same control system to handle diverse positioning requirements without requiring separate control circuits for each LED.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and status of each LED module, enabling precise control and coordination. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and maintain accurate light direction while managing the complexity of individual LED control through automated positioning algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If motorized drive mechanisms are added for individual LED control, then positioning flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The luminaire is divided into standardized modular LED assemblies, each containing integrated motorized drive mechanisms. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual modules that can be produced independently and then assembled into the complete luminaire, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the sophisticated functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized drive mechanisms are integrated within compact housings that contain multiple functional elements in nested arrangements. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume and complexity of each module while maintaining full functionality, making the individual units easier to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10337707B2Luminaire with articulated LEDs
Publication Date: 2019.07.02 ROBE LIGHTING SRO
  • US10337707B2 patent drawing
  • US10337707B2 patent drawing
  • US10337707B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described is a method for controlling the movement of LED devices in luminaires, specifically to a method relating to allowing both synchronized and independent pan and tilt movement of LED light modules in a light curtain. The LEDs may be mounted in a plurality of modules. The modules may be in a linear arrangement. The LEDs may be mounted in a plurality of modules that are arrayed in a two dimensional array. The modules in the linear arrangement or in the two dimensional array may be mounted in groups forming modular group assemblies where modular group assembly are independently articulated to pan and/or tilt the modules mounted thereon independent of other modular group assemblies.