Modular Lighting with Curved Ribbon Cable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems lack flexibility and aesthetic appeal in architectural spaces, as they often require rigid connections and visible wiring, limiting the ability to create complex lighting patterns and maintaining visual continuity.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting system with luminaire sections and connectors that can be linear, curved, or twisted, allowing for flexible installation and integration of power and control wiring within a single ribbon cable or finial apparatus, providing mechanical and electrical connectivity while maintaining a visually cohesive appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid connections and visible wiring are used in lighting systems, then structural stability and electrical connectivity are ensured, but flexibility and aesthetic appeal are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power wiring, control wiring, and mechanical support functions into a single integrated ribbon cable assembly. This merging eliminates visible separate wiring while maintaining all necessary electrical and mechanical connections, thereby improving flexibility and aesthetic appeal without sacrificing structural stability or electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbon cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for suspended lighting components, transmits electrical power, carries control signals, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate wiring systems and visible connections, enhancing both flexibility and aesthetics while ensuring reliable connectivity.
2Shape
If modular components with curved or twisted connectors are used, then aesthetic appeal and design flexibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular components (luminaire sections and connectors) that can be manufactured separately using standard linear manufacturing processes. The curved or twisted configurations are achieved through simple connector designs that guide the ribbon cable through predetermined paths, allowing complex shapes to be assembled from easily manufactured modular parts without requiring complex manufacturing for each individual component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wiring is integrated within the housing structure, then visual continuity and aesthetic appeal are enhanced, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ribbon cable is pre-assembled with power and control wiring integrated within the housing structure before installation. This preliminary action ensures visual continuity and aesthetic appeal are achieved from the outset, while the modular design allows installers to simply connect pre-configured components without having to manually route and integrate wiring during installation, thereby reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system includes first and second component housed within respective first and second housings, and a connector. The first housing defines a first substantially rectangular cross-section that extends from a first end to a second end. The first component is capable of emitting light. The second housing defines a second substantially rectangular cross-section. The second substantially rectangular cross-section extends from a third end to a fourth end. The connector connects the second end with the third end. The connector defines a third substantially rectangular cross-section that is substantially identical to the first and second substantially rectangular cross-sections. The third substantially rectangular cross-section extends along a path from the second end to the third end. The path includes at least one curve of at least fifteen degrees between the second end and the third end, and/or, the substantially rectangular cross-section rotates at least fifteen degrees about the path.