Lighting Apparatus With Concealed Driver Box For IoT Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting devices lack flexibility and integration of advanced features, such as IoT communication, environmental sensing, and multi-functional capabilities, limiting their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to various applications.
Innovation Solution
A lighting apparatus comprising LED modules, a driver module with a driver box and first driver circuit, and a surface rim with a concealed driver box design, allowing for flexible driver circuit types, augmented devices like antennas or sensors, and detachable extended boxes for additional functions like wireless hubs or speakers, enhancing functionality and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting devices are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device lacks flexibility and integration of advanced features like IoT communication and environmental sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The driver box is designed to accommodate multiple types of driver circuits and augmented devices (sensors, antennas, wireless modules) within a single standardized housing. This universal platform allows the same physical structure to support various functional configurations, enabling IoT communication, environmental sensing, and other smart features without requiring entirely different device designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the driver circuit board is housed within the driver box, which itself is integrated into the lighting device housing. Augmented devices such as sensors and communication modules are further nested within the driver box or mounted on the driver circuit board. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly integrated without significantly increasing the overall device footprint or structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driver circuit types are integrated into the same device, then the adaptability to different light sources is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver box serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of driver circuits (e.g., LED driver, fluorescent driver, halogen driver) within the same physical housing. The standardized interface and mounting structure allow different driver circuit boards to be installed in the same location, enabling the lighting device to support various light source types without requiring different device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing specific designated areas within the driver box for different component types. The driver circuit board has designated zones for different circuit configurations, and the housing includes specific mounting locations and connection interfaces tailored for each driver type. This localized organization allows multiple driver circuit types to coexist in the same device without creating overall structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If augmented devices like antennas and sensors are added, then the functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver box is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various augmented devices (antennas, sensors, wireless modules) using standardized mounting interfaces and connection protocols. This allows the same base unit to be manufactured once and then configured with different augmented devices depending on the specific application requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized manufacturing lines and lowering overall production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lighting device into modular components: the basic lighting unit, the driver box, and optional augmented devices. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce the core lighting functionality at a baseline cost, then add augmented devices only when specific functionalities are required. The modular architecture enables cost-effective manufacturing by allowing selective assembly of augmented devices based on market demands and application-specific requirements.
4Shape
If the driver box is concealed by the peripheral portion, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance and replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The driver box is extracted as a separate, removable module from the main lighting device housing. It is concealed within the peripheral portion for aesthetic purposes during normal operation, but can be easily removed through a designated access mechanism. This extraction approach allows the driver box to maintain its concealed position for visual appeal while enabling straightforward removal for maintenance, replacement, or upgrading of driver circuits and augmented devices without disassembling the entire lighting fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic design where the driver box transitions between two states: concealed within the peripheral portion for aesthetic appearance during normal operation, and accessible for maintenance when needed. The access mechanism allows the driver box to be easily removed or opened through a simple user action (such as removing a cover or unlocking a latch), providing dynamic accessibility that switches between aesthetic concealment and functional exposure based on operational requirements.
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
The solution provides a versatile lighting system that integrates IoT capabilities, environmental sensing, and additional features like wireless hotspots and audio, improving convenience, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability while maintaining efficient light emission and heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescence.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus includes a light source, a driver module and a surface rim. The light source includes multiple LED modules and a power electrode. The driver module includes a driver box and a first driver circuit. The first driver circuit is stored in the driver box. The first driver circuit is electrically connected to the power electrode of the light source for providing a driving current to the LED modules. The surface rim has a central portion and a peripheral portion. The light source is disposed to the central portion. The driver box is concealed at least partially by the peripheral portion.