Horticultural Light Fixture Modular Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures lack versatility in accommodating varying lumen output needs, requiring multiple fixtures or parts for different applications, which complicates design and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A scalable light fixture design featuring an electronics housing and connector assemblies that support interchangeable light modules, allowing for easy adjustment of lumen output by adding or removing modules, with ventilation and thermal management features to promote efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different fixtures or fixture parts are designed for different applications, then each fixture can be optimized for its specific application, but the design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal fixture design where a single base fixture can accommodate multiple light modules with different lumen outputs through interchangeable connector assemblies. The base fixture includes a standardized mounting structure that can accept various light modules, allowing one fixture to serve multiple applications without requiring separate specialized fixtures for each use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the light fixture into separable components: a base fixture and interchangeable light modules connected through connector assemblies. This segmentation allows the light modules to be independently selected and replaced based on application requirements, while the base fixture remains unchanged. The connector assemblies serve as interface components that enable modular configuration.
2Device complexity
If a single fixture design is used for all applications, then design and manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate varying lumen output needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic configuration system where the number and arrangement of light modules can be adjusted based on application needs. The connector assemblies are designed to accommodate variable numbers of light modules, allowing the fixture to be dynamically reconfigured for different lumen output requirements while maintaining the same base fixture design.
Solution Approach 2:
The base fixture is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple configurations of light modules. The standardized connector assemblies enable the same base fixture to work with different numbers and types of light modules, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized fixture designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light modules are added or removed to adjust lumen output, then customization flexibility is improved, but thermal management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assemblies serve as intermediary components between the light modules and the base fixture. These connector assemblies incorporate thermal management features such as heat sinks and ventilation structures that facilitate heat dissipation from the light modules. The intermediary connector assemblies distribute thermal load across multiple components rather than concentrating heat in a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the thermal management system into individual connector assemblies and the base fixture, the patent enables distributed heat dissipation. Each connector assembly can be optimized for thermal management of its specific light modules, and the base fixture provides additional thermal pathways through its structure and mounting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes an electronics housing, opposing connector assemblies and at least one light module. The electronics housing and the at least one light module are each supported by and extend between the opposing connector assemblies such that a gap is provided between the electronics housing and light module.