LED Trunking Profile With Discrete Ethernet Contact Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED trunking lighting systems face difficulties with inflexible Ethernet twisted pair cables, which are laborious to handle and require manual cutting, and alternative powerline communication solutions are expensive and prone to electromagnetic compatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A LED trunking lighting system with a U-shaped or D-shaped profile that integrates a power supply and exposed twisted communication wires, allowing for flexible attachment of multiple Ethernet devices with crisscrossing conductor traces on PCBs or flextapes, enabling mechanical contact at defined increments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Ethernet twisted pair cables are used for communication in trunking lighting systems, then communication functionality is achieved, but the system becomes inflexible and laborious to handle when changing device locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of device locationVSAvoidease of cable handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communication cable is segmented into multiple discrete contact points along the trunking profile, allowing individual sections to be activated independently. This enables flexible device placement at any increment along the profile without requiring manual cable cutting and crimping, as the cable remains intact with selective contact activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication cable contacts are pre-positioned and exposed at defined discrete increments along the trunking profile during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for on-site cable modification when installing devices, as all necessary contact points are already in place and ready for connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple Ethernet cables are installed to connect multiple devices, then all devices can communicate, but spatial handling becomes difficult within a single trunking profile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidspatial complexity of cable management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple communication cable contacts are merged into a single integrated trunking profile structure. Instead of installing separate cables for each device, all communication contacts are embedded within the same profile, allowing multiple devices to be connected spatially organized and managed within a single enclosure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of moving object

If manual cutting and crimping of Ethernet cables is performed to shorten cables, then cable length is adjusted, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable lengthVSAvoidease of cable installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The communication cable is pre-configured with exposed contacts at defined discrete increments along the entire length of the trunking profile during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site cable cutting, crimping, and termination, as the cable is already configured to provide appropriate length and contact points for any device placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If powerline communication is used as an alternative to Ethernet, then communication is achieved without Ethernet cables, but expensive dedicated equipment is required and electromagnetic compatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication methodVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses Ethernet twisted pair cables as an intermediary medium for communication within the trunking lighting system. This intermediary approach provides stable electromagnetic performance and avoids the EMI issues associated with powerline communication, while still achieving the goal of flexible device connectivity without requiring expensive dedicated powerline equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4249800A1A LED trunking lighting system
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4249800A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4249800A1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP4249800A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a LED trunking lighting system, comprising: a preferably linear U-shaped or D-shaped profile carrying electrical power supply means, wherein the profile is designed for releasably mounting a load in electrical contact with said electrical power supply means, and at least one pair of twisted communication wires which are arranged at the inner side of the said profile and exposed for being contacted in defined discrete increments along the extension of the profile.