LED Grow Light Fixture with Integrated USB Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor plant grow operations face challenges in efficiently adding supplemental lighting and environmental sensors due to the need for separate power and communication lines, which are costly and labor-intensive to install and modify.
Innovation Solution
Integrating USB ports or Power-over-Ethernet hubs into LED grow light fixtures to provide power and communication capabilities, allowing direct connection and powering of supplemental lighting and sensors, eliminating the need for separate wiring and infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power cables and communication lines are installed for supplemental lighting and sensors, then reliable power and data transmission is achieved, but installation cost and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and data communication functions into a single integrated cable system. The USB cable simultaneously transmits electrical power to supplemental lighting fixtures and data signals for communication, eliminating the need for separate power cables and communication lines. This merging approach maintains reliable power transmission while dramatically simplifying installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB interface serves multiple functions: it provides power delivery to ancillary devices, transmits data for communication, and enables control signaling. This multi-functional approach allows a single cable connection to replace what would traditionally require separate power and communication infrastructure, reducing installation complexity while maintaining system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate power outlets and communication ports are installed throughout the grow facility, then adequate power and data access is provided, but installation time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated USB power and data system provides a universal interface that can support various ancillary devices including supplemental lighting, sensors, and monitoring equipment. This single standardized interface replaces the need for multiple specialized power outlets and communication ports, maintaining system adaptability while reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic addition and removal of ancillary devices without requiring permanent infrastructure changes. Users can easily connect or disconnect supplemental lighting and sensors by simply plugging or unpl USB cables, enabling flexible reconfiguration of the grow facility layout without time-consuming installation work.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional separate wiring infrastructure is used for power and communication, then stable power delivery and data transmission is ensured, but modification and relocation of components becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-based integrated system transitions the power and communication infrastructure from a fixed, hardwired configuration to a flexible, plug-and-play architecture. This allows components to be easily relocated by simply moving the USB connection, while the stable electrical and data transmission characteristics of USB maintain system stability during operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If ancillary devices are powered through integrated USB ports, then separate power wiring is eliminated, but power delivery capacity must be sufficient for all connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes USB Power Delivery technology which allows dynamic negotiation and adjustment of power delivery parameters. The power supply capacity is configured to accommodate the total power requirements of multiple ancillary devices, and the system can dynamically allocate power resources based on the specific needs of connected devices, ensuring sufficient power delivery while maintaining installation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to fixtures, systems and methods for providing vegetation grow light fixtures with auxiliary power and/or data communication ports or hubs allowing for expansion of their functionality, modularity and adaptability. The addition of power or communication ports integrated with a grow light fixture enables other components to be connected directly to and powered by the grow light fixture. Such components may include but are not limited to supplemental lighting, sensors and actuators.