Light Strip Data Line Layout for High-Speed Luminaire Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems face challenges in providing sufficient data transmission rates and efficient power distribution due to limited space and high installation costs, with DALI protocols being inadequate for modern data volumes, necessitating separate data communication interfaces which increase costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A user recognition device integrated into a luminaire system with a U-shaped support rail and mounting body, utilizing conductor wires for power supply and separate data conductors for high-speed data transmission, including a data interface and converter to support data rates over 10 Mbit/s, and a fieldbus topology for data line connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If DALI protocol is used for data transmission in lighting systems, then electrical power supply can be maintained through existing line wires, but data transmission rate is limited to low speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication function from the power supply function by introducing a separate data transmission line (e.g., twisted pair cable) alongside the existing power line wires. This allows high-speed data transmission via the dedicated data line while maintaining the existing DALI power supply function through the line wires, resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and infrastructure complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the communication infrastructure universal by enabling the lighting system to support both DALI protocol (for power and basic control) and high-speed data transmission protocols simultaneously. The system can use the same physical infrastructure for multiple communication purposes, eliminating the need for completely separate communication systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If separate data communication interfaces are added to lighting systems, then high data transmission rates are achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the data communication function with the existing lighting infrastructure by integrating data transmission lines into the same mounting rail system and using existing mounting structures. This combination approach allows high-speed data transmission without requiring completely separate installation systems, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs compared to fully independent communication systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If additional wiring is added for high-speed data transmission, then data communication capability is improved, but space within the mounting rail is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidspace for wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the data transmission line alongside and parallel to the existing line wires within the same mounting rail structure. The data line is nested within the available space of the mounting rail, utilizing the longitudinal extension of the rail to accommodate additional wiring without requiring extra external space, thus maintaining compact integration while enabling high-speed data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simultaneous high-speed data transmission and power distribution within the luminaire system, reducing installation costs and interference, while maintaining efficient space utilization and manufacturing simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

a data converter which is designed to transform a data signal received via the network interface into a PLC data signal for feeding into the data line and/or transforming a data signal received via the data line into an Ethernet data signal for output via the network interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal conversion (Ethernet to PLC):

Implementation Method 2

a data line which is connected to a data interface and by means of which data is fed into the data line bidirectionally and/or data is received from the data line, wherein the data line uses the PLC standard

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower Line Communication (PLC):

Data Source

PatentEP3879944B1Light strip with additional data line
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 TRILUX GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3879944B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3879944B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3
  • EP3879944B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b

AI summary

The invention relates to a system comprising a luminaire, which includes a longitudinally elongated mounting rail 1 and a longitudinally elongated mounting body 2 on which electrical functional elements 3, in particular LEDs, are arranged. The system includes a data interface which is connected to a data line 6 located in the interior and fixed to the mounting rail 1, and which is configured for feeding data into the data line 6 and/or receiving data from the data line 6 at a data rate of over 10 Mbit/s, in particular over 100 Mbit/s, wherein the data line 6 comprises a first and a second data conductor 61, 62, wherein, in particular, during operation, the data line 6 is connected exclusively to the data interface and to communication interfaces to enable data exchange between the data interface and the communication interfaces.