Light Carrier Rail Adapter Interface for IoT Component Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting rail systems face challenges in providing simple and cost-effective connection options for a variety of electrical and electronic components, including IoT devices, which often obstruct light emission and require complex interface installations.

Innovation Solution

A lighting mounting rail system with an elongated support profile and a busbar that includes an adapter element with standardized connections and a connecting element, allowing easy integration of components via a busbar for power and data transmission, and a flexible design for various interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mounting rails are used to mount multiple electrical and electronic components, then the functionality and application possibilities are improved, but the complexity of providing connection options for different components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection options for componentsVSAvoidinterface installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rail system provides a universal connection interface through the adapter element that can accommodate multiple types of electrical and electronic components. The adapter element with standardized first connections (such as banana plugs or spring clips) serves as a multi-functional interface that can connect different component types without requiring separate specialized mounting solutions for each component type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter element acts as an intermediary between the mounting rail's busbar and the various electrical/electronic components. Instead of directly connecting different component types to the busbar, the adapter element provides a standardized intermediate interface that simplifies the connection process and reduces the complexity of providing connection options for diverse components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical and electronic components are mounted on mounting rails, then the integration and power supply are improved, but the components may obstruct light emission area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidlight emission area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter element extends the connection interface perpendicular to the light emission face of the mounting rail. By positioning the first connections on the adapter element rather than directly on the rail body, the connection functionality is moved to a different spatial dimension that does not interfere with the light emission area, allowing components to be integrated without obstructing light output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If standardized adapter elements are provided on mounting rails, then the ease of connection for components is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection easeVSAvoidmounting rail structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter element is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently attached to the mounting rail's busbar. This segmentation allows the standardized connection interface to be provided as an optional add-on rather than integrating complexity into the base rail structure, maintaining ease of connection while managing device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4042527B1Light carrier rail, and carrier rail system having carrier rails
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP4042527B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4042527B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4042527B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a carrier rail (1) for a carrier rail system, comprising: an elongate carrier profile (2); a busbar (4) having at least one electrical conductor (40) for electrically connecting electrical or electronic components (3), wherein the busbar (4) extends along the carrier profile (2); and an adapter element (5) having a first connection (6) and a connecting element (8) and also an adapter housing (9) for carrying the first connection (6) and/or the connecting element (8), wherein the first connection (6) can be coupled electrically and/or by means of signals to the busbar (4) via the connecting element (8), and wherein the first connection (6) is configured for connecting a corresponding second connection (70) of an electrical or electronic component (7) such that the electrical or electronic component (7) can be coupled electrically and/or by means of signals to the busbar (4) via the connecting element (8). The invention also relates to a carrier rail system that comprises the carrier rail according to the invention.