Flexible Multi-Line Conductor for Track Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track lighting systems use high voltage and rely on parallel wiring, which limits flexibility and efficiency in powering luminaires as they are embedded in the track, making it difficult to move luminaires without disrupting the electrical connection.
Innovation Solution
A flexible multi-line conductor system with moveable luminaire connectors that can couple with luminaires, allowing each luminaire to be powered by a unique set of conductors, and an interposer circuit that dynamically selects the appropriate conductors, enabling the conductor assembly to bend and adapt to luminaire movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If luminaires are embedded in the track with fixed conductors, then electrical connection is stable, but luminaire movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circuit board as the conductor carrier, which can bend and flex to accommodate luminaire movement along the track. This flexible circuit maintains electrical connections while adapting to position changes, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static embedded conductors to a dynamic flexible circuit that can change its configuration as luminaires move. The flexible circuit adapts its shape and position dynamically, allowing luminaires to be repositioned while maintaining reliable electrical connections throughout the movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple luminaires share the same track conductors in parallel, then installation is simplified, but electrical interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit is divided into multiple isolated conductor traces that are electrically separated from each other. Each luminaire connects to its own dedicated set of conductors on the flexible circuit, preventing electrical interference between adjacent luminaires while maintaining simple installation through the continuous flexible circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flexible circuit provide different electrical connections to different luminaires. Each local segment of the flexible circuit is optimized for its specific luminaire connection, with isolated conductors that prevent interference while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conductors are embedded in the track walls, then structural integration is improved, but conductor flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid embedded conductors with a flexible circuit board that can be mounted on or near the track structure. This flexible circuit provides the necessary mechanical flexibility to accommodate luminaire movement while maintaining stable electrical connections, resolving the contradiction between structural integration and conductor flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible multi-line conductor and multiple luminaire connectors may be provided. Each one of the luminaire connectors may be coupled to a corresponding luminaire and the flexible multi-line conductor. Each of the luminaire connectors may be moveable relative to each other. The flexible multi-line conductor may bend in response to movement of any of the luminaire connectors relative to each other. The flexible multi-line conductor may include multiple conductors. Each one of the luminaire connectors may couple a corresponding one of the luminaires to a different set of the conductors than the other luminaire connectors couple to the other luminaires.