Lighting Element Adaptor With AC/DC Converter and Rain Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor lighting systems, such as café light strings, lack flexibility in power compatibility and integration with DC-powered devices, and often require cumbersome modifications to accommodate different power types and protect against weather elements.
Innovation Solution
A lighting element adaptor with complementary male and female AC-power connectors, an AC/DC power converter, and a DC-power connector, allowing seamless integration of lighting elements with AC sockets while providing DC power to connected devices and weather protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AC-power connectors are used for outdoor lighting systems, then power delivery is reliable, but compatibility with DC-powered devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An AC/DC power converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the AC power source and DC-powered devices. The converter receives AC power through the male connector and converts it to DC power for devices connected through the female connector, enabling both AC and DC device compatibility from a single AC power source
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting elements are integrated into outdoor fixtures, then lighting functionality is provided, but protection from weather elements becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated fixture: the lighting element holder, AC/DC power converter, male AC-power connector, and female AC-power connector are combined into one unified outdoor lighting fixture, simplifying the overall system while providing lighting, power conversion, and device charging capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If AC/DC power converter is added to provide DC power, then versatility with DC devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor lighting fixture is designed with universal multi-functionality: it can simultaneously power AC-powered lighting elements through the male connector and DC-powered devices through the female connector via the integrated AC/DC converter, making the fixture adaptable to various device types without requiring separate systems
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 flexible power conversion and integration of lighting elements with DC-powered devices, while maintaining alignment and protection from weather, enhancing usability and compatibility in outdoor settings.
Implementation Method 1
An AC/DC power converter is configured to generate DC power from the AC power received by the male connector and to provide the DC power generated to a DC-powered device coupled thereto
Implementation Method 2
The lamp fixture includes an illuminating lamp shade having a plurality of LEDs that are configured to generate an illumination pattern thereon in response to DC power provided thereto via the DC-power connector
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate lighting element adaptor that has a male and a female connector axially aligned with one another along an axis of a body so as to be interposed between a lighting element and a lighting socket. The male connector is configured to engage the lighting socket so as to receive AC power provided therefrom. The female connector is complementary to the male connector. The female connector is conductively coupled with the male connector so as to receive AC power therefrom. The female connector is configured to receive the lighting element and to provide the AC power received from the male connector thereto. A rain guard projects radially outward from the body between the complementary male and female AC-power connectors. The rain guard has a peripheral drip edge that circumscribes an interior the female AC-power connector, thereby providing rain protection thereto.