Light Fixture Integrated Patch Panel for PoE Cable Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for managing Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables in smart lighting systems require additional infrastructure, such as ceiling-mounted patch panels, which increase installation costs, time, and certification requirements, and are difficult to access for physical changes to the network.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a patch panel directly onto an existing light fixture, such as a troffer style fixture, allowing for the distribution and management of PoE cables within the room, eliminating the need for a separate ceiling-mounted patch panel by attaching it to the light fixture or making it field-attachable, and providing increased port capacity with snap-in jacks or IDC connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ceiling-mounted patch panel is used to manage PoE cables, then cable distribution capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the patch panel with the light fixture into a single integrated unit. The patch panel is mounted within the light fixture housing, eliminating the need for a separate ceiling-mounted patch panel. This merging of functions reduces the number of components, simplifies installation, and lowers overall system complexity while maintaining cable distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture is designed to serve multiple functions: providing illumination, housing the patch panel for cable management, and potentially providing Power over Ethernet (PoE) power delivery. By making the light fixture universal and multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for dedicated patch panels while maintaining all necessary network management capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate ceiling-mounted patch panel is installed, then network management capability is improved, but access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the patch panel into the light fixture, the patent makes network management components accessible through the same maintenance access points used for lighting. This eliminates the need to access separate ceiling-mounted equipment, improving ease of operation and maintenance while maintaining full network management capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a zone distribution box is mounted in the ceiling, then PoE cable management is improved, but aesthetic integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the patch panel within the light fixture housing, making the cable management infrastructure invisible or aesthetically acceptable. The light fixture itself serves as the housing for the patch panel, eliminating the need for separate visible ceiling-mounted boxes and preserving aesthetic integrity while maintaining PoE cable management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system is provided with a plurality of light fixtures within a room and at least one control system for controlling the plurality of light fixtures within a room. At least one of the light fixtures among the plurality of light fixtures within the room includes a patch panel thereon. The control system is attached to the patch panel on a first side of the patch panel, and a remaining of the plurality of light fixtures in the room are connected to the patch panel on a second side.