Lighting Fixture Power Conversion for Ancillary Device Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facility owners face the challenge of providing power to ancillary devices like WiFi access points and RFID transponders in commercial settings, as these devices often require lower voltages than the standard commercial power grid, leading to the need for expensive direct wiring.
Innovation Solution
Enhanced lighting fixtures that accept commercially available power and include a power conversion unit to provide a secondary voltage, such as 120 volts, for ancillary devices, eliminating the need for separate power wiring by integrating the power supply within the lighting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate single-phase power wiring is installed to ancillary devices, then the devices can operate at required lower voltages, but installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power distribution function with the existing lighting fixture structure. The enhanced lighting fixture integrates a power supply circuit that receives commercial power and provides both the lighting function and ancillary power output through the same physical fixture, eliminating the need for separate wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced lighting fixture serves multiple functions: it provides illumination, distributes power to ancillary devices, and acts as a mounting location for these devices. This multi-functionality allows a single infrastructure element to serve both lighting and power distribution purposes.
2Reliability
If direct runs of power wiring are installed to each ancillary device, then devices can be powered reliably, but installation complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution function by providing localized power output at each enhanced lighting fixture location. Instead of creating a continuous grid of power wiring throughout the facility, power is segmented and delivered only at specific points where ancillary devices are needed, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ancillary devices are deployed without pre-installed power wiring, then deployment flexibility is maintained, but power delivery becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution capability is built into the lighting fixtures during manufacturing, before ancillary devices are deployed. This preliminary preparation of power delivery infrastructure at each fixture location enables flexible deployment of ancillary devices without requiring retroactive wiring installation.
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
This solution allows for cost-effective and efficient power distribution to ancillary devices, reducing installation costs and ensuring continuous operation during power outages, particularly beneficial in environments like parking garages and warehouses.
Implementation Method 1
a power conversion unit that converts the first line voltage to a second lower voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced array of light fixtures for providing both light and a desired non-light feature within an illuminated area of a structure. The enhanced array is formed from a first plurality of light fixtures that are adapted for emitting light and a reduced plurality of enhanced light fixtures comprised of a subset of the first plurality of light fixtures that are adapted for emitting light and also for supporting a corresponding plurality of auxiliary non-light-emitting devices that require a different voltage and are adapted for providing a desired non-light feature within the illuminated area of the structure.