Lighting Operating Device Adapter for Remote Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring operating devices in lighting systems, such as electronic ballasts, are cumbersome due to the need for mechanical adjustments that require tools and access to closed housings, often necessitating optical aids and on-site configuration, which limits flexibility and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An external adapter with connection elements for energy supply and configuration means, allowing the operating device to be configured remotely and without optical aids, by relocating the configuration components to a position accessible near the power lines, enabling easier and more flexible addressing of the operating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the configuration components are integrated into the operating device housing, then the device structure is compact and integrated, but the configuration becomes difficult and requires opening the closed housing and using optical aids
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate parts: the operating device (control gear) and the adapter. The configuration components are relocated to the adapter, which can be accessed independently from the sealed housing of the operating device. This segmentation allows configuration without opening the housing while maintaining device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the user and the operating device. It provides the configuration interface externally, allowing users to configure the device through the adapter without direct access to the operating device housing. The adapter mediates the configuration process while the operating device remains sealed.
2Device complexity
If the connection elements for power supply are integrated into the operating device, then the device structure is simplified, but the configuration means cannot be positioned away from the device and requires on-site configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply connection elements and configuration components are separated into the adapter, which is connected to the operating device via power and signal lines. This allows the adapter to be positioned remotely from the operating device, providing configuration flexibility while maintaining a simplified device structure through the use of external connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration capability is extended to a different spatial dimension by placing it in the adapter rather than integrating it directly into the operating device. This dimensional separation allows the adapter to be positioned anywhere along the power lines, providing flexibility in configuration location while the operating device remains fixed in its installation position.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical configuration methods are used, then the configuration can be done with simple tools, but the operating device must be accessed by opening the housing which is not accessible after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration components are extracted from the operating device housing and placed in the external adapter. This extraction allows the configuration interface to be accessed independently without opening the sealed housing of the operating device, while still using simple mechanical configuration methods through the adapter.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (1a) for a light-emitting means (12). Usually, the operating device (1a) has to be configured after the installation. In order to facilitate the configuration, the connection elements (8, 9) for the energy supply of the operating device as well as the components (BA, KB) that are to be configured and the configuration means (20) are transferred into an adapter (1b) that forms an active external device part, preferably in the form of a plug. The adapter (1b) can be installed physically separated from the operating device (1a), but is connected to the same in a manner that the operating energy and eventually data can be transmitted from the adapter (1b) to the operating device (1a). The physically separated arrangement dispenses with the need to have to configure the operating device on the installation site.