Connectable Lighting Modules With Aligned Magnetic Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems require separate adjustment of each lighting module for color temperature and brightness, lacking direct communication between interconnected modules.

Innovation Solution

The lighting system employs magnetic field antennas positioned on the housing of each module to enable wireless communication when connected, allowing settings like color temperature and brightness to be directly shared between modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If magnetic field antennas are positioned close to the housing sides for communication, then wireless communication between modules is enabled, but the housing structure must accommodate the antenna positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field antenna is integrated into the housing structure by positioning it in close proximity to the housing sides, merging the communication function with the structural design. This allows wireless communication capability to be incorporated without requiring separate communication modules or complex external antenna arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is positioned specifically at the sides of the housing where communication with adjacent modules is required, concentrating the electromagnetic field in the relevant direction. This localized positioning optimizes communication efficiency while maintaining a simple overall housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the antenna is positioned inside the housing, then protection is provided, but communication range may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna protectionVSAvoidsignal transmission effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is designed with openings or thin wall sections at the sides where the magnetic field antenna is positioned, allowing the antenna to be protected within the housing while still enabling effective magnetic field transmission to adjacent modules. The housing material and design are optimized to provide protection without significantly attenuating the communication signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 synchronized adjustment of lighting settings across interconnected modules without the need for additional communication wires, facilitating efficient power transfer and reliable data exchange.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field antenna; wherein the first lighting module has the magnetic field antenna positioned in the housing close to, or adjacent to, its second side and wherein the second lighting module has the magnetic field antenna positioned in the housing close to, or adjacent, its first side such that when the two lighting modules are connected using the plug, the magnetic field antennas of the first and second module are aligned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4364531B1A lighting system for emitting light comprising two connectable lighting modules, a lighting module, a method of operating a lighting module as well as a corresponding method
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4364531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4364531B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4364531B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting system for emitting light, the system comprising a first and a second lighting module as well as a plug for connecting the two lighting modules to each other, each lighting module comprises a housing, the housing having a first side and a second side, opposite to the first side, such that the second side of the first lighting module is connected to the first side of the second lighting module when the two lighting modules are connected via the plug, each housing comprises at least one Light Emitting Diode, LED, for emitting the light, a controller arranged for wirelessly communicating with the other one of the two lighting modules via a magnetic field antenna, the magnetic field antenna - wherein the first lighting module has the magnetic field antenna positioned in the housing close to, or adjacent, its second side and wherein the second lighting module has the magnetic field antenna positioned in the housing close to, or adjacent, its first side such that when the two lighting modules are connected using the plug, the magnetic field antennas of the first and second module are aligned.