Lighting Connector Unit With Self-Adjusting Power and Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting system connectors limit the supply of electrical energy to lateral end areas, restricting flexibility and design options, and do not facilitate the transmission of electrical signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit with self-adjusting means and a distribution unit that allows for flexible transmission of electrical energy and signals, compensating for varying distances between lighting systems, and enabling a compact, space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing connector elements are used to connect lighting systems, then electrical energy can be supplied to lateral end areas, but the supply of electrical energy is limited to respective lateral end areas and flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connector unit is divided into a base body and a separate distribution unit. The distribution unit can be selectively installed in the base body to enable different connection configurations. This segmentation allows the connector to adapt between simple lateral connection and complex multi-directional power distribution based on actual needs, improving flexibility without always increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed to accommodate multiple distribution units that can provide different connection configurations (e.g., first configuration with first and second transmission elements, second configuration with third and fourth transmission elements). This multi-functionality allows a single base body to serve various lighting system arrangements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a standardized connector structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector units with distribution units are used to enable flexible power and signal transmission, then lighting system design flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution unit is designed to be insertable into and nestable within the base body. The base body contains receiving structures that accommodate the distribution unit, allowing the distribution unit to be stored within the base body when not in use. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact integrated structure, managing complexity by organizing components hierarchically rather than dispersing them.
3Reliability
If self-adjusting means are used in transmission elements to compensate for varying distances, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission elements incorporate self-adjusting means that allow dynamic adaptation to varying installation distances between connector units and lighting systems. Rather than requiring precise fixed-position manufacturing, the self-adjusting mechanism enables the transmission elements to automatically compensate for distance variations, ensuring reliable electrical contact across different installation scenarios without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 and reliable power and signal transmission to lighting systems, allowing for space-saving and adaptable lighting arrangements without reliance on lateral supply points.
Implementation Method 1
The self-adjusting means are selected from: at least one resilient metal strip, at least one spring element, at least one spring-return pressure piece unit, at least one spring-return spring sleeve unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector unit (1) for connecting lighting systems (29). This connector unit (1) comprises a base body (2) designed to connect two lighting systems (29) to one another, at least one line element (13) designed to transmit electrical energy and electrical signals, and a distribution unit (21) having at least one transmission element (24) that can be electrically coupled to the at least one line element (13). The at least one transmission element (24) comprises self-adjusting means (25) such that, when the connector unit (1) is installed with the lighting systems (29), electrical energy and electrical signals can be transmitted from the at least one line element (13) via the distribution unit (21) having the at least one transmission element (24) to at least one lighting system (29).