Lighting Fixture Pluggable Constant Current Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems face challenges such as inability to adjust light intensity without replacing fixtures, inefficient power supply management, heat generation within sealed fixtures, and difficulty in maintaining and assembling fixtures due to dust and insect ingress.
Innovation Solution
The development of lighting fixtures with integrated occupancy sensors, a plug and socket housing for safe circuit element replacement, and a remote power distribution unit for efficient AC to DC power conversion, along with a sealed enclosure design for heat management and dust protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light fixtures supply maximum output light levels, then illumination intensity is improved, but energy consumption increases and light levels cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pluggable constant current module that allows dynamic adjustment of LED current levels. The module can be removed and replaced to change light output levels, enabling the lighting system to adapt its illumination intensity and energy consumption based on actual needs rather than operating at fixed maximum levels
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameter (current) supplied to LEDs by using different constant current modules with varying current ratings. This allows the same LED array to operate at different power levels, adjusting both illumination intensity and energy consumption to match application requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate occupancy sensors are integrated with light fixtures from different vendors, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the occupancy sensor, driver electronics, and constant current modules into a single integrated light fixture assembly. This merging of previously separate components simplifies the overall system architecture, reduces installation complexity, and eliminates the need for multiple vendor integrations while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fixture design incorporates universal mounting and electrical connection features that allow the same fixture to work with various occupancy sensor types and configurations, providing versatility without requiring complex custom integrations for different vendor products
3Adaptability or versatility
If power supply is integrated into light fixture, then functionality is improved, but reliability decreases due to power supply failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply function into separate, independently replaceable constant current modules. If one module fails, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire power supply or fixture, significantly improving system reliability and reducing maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses inexpensive, simple constant current modules that can be easily replaced when they fail. These modules are designed as disposable or temporary components that simplify the overall reliability strategy by making failure recovery quick and cost-effective
4Ease of repair
If light fixture is sealed to prevent dust and insect ingress, then maintenance ease is improved, but heat dissipation capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs heat sink structures with thin, finned surfaces that provide large surface area for heat dissipation while maintaining a compact, sealed enclosure. The heat sink acts as a thermal interface that allows efficient heat transfer to the surrounding air without requiring the fixture to be unsealed
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes natural convection currents that create phase-like transitions in air flow patterns around the heat sink, enabling passive cooling of the sealed fixture through optimized thermal pathways that do not require physical openings
5Power
If AC to DC conversion is performed at low power, then power requirement is reduced, but conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC to DC power conversion function with the LED driver circuitry in an integrated design. By combining these functions and operating at the appropriate power level for the specific LED array, the system achieves efficient conversion without the losses associated with separate, mismatched conversion stages
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 fine-tuning of light intensity, reduces power supply failures, minimizes heat generation, and simplifies maintenance and assembly while maintaining high efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A light system comprises a light fixture housing, a driver card, and a pluggable constant current module
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of lighting elements mounted on one or more printed circuit boards are mounted on a heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting systems that provide improvements in various aspects are contemplated. In one aspect, light fixtures can comprise at least one of an occupancy sensor, a constant current module, an external power supply, a plurality of lighting elements mounted on a heat sink, a sealing mechanism, and top and bottom housings having tabs to removably couple with one another. In another aspect, a disconnect comprising a plug and socket housing is contemplated.