Lighting Strip Rail Data Modulation Without Dedicated Signal Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support rail systems for lighting strips face limitations in data communication flexibility and reliability due to reliance on dedicated signal lines (like DALI) for illumination components, slow data transmission, interference risks in wireless communication, and interference from electrical power in power line communication, leading to inflexible and costly components.
Innovation Solution
A support rail system with multiple electrical lines (main power, light communication, low voltage, and non-continuously used supply lines) that uses a data transceiver to modulate further data signals onto existing lines, allowing dual-use transmission without additional lines, ensuring high bandwidth and interference-free communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated signal lines (e.g., DALI lines) are used for controlling illumination components, then the illumination system can be controlled, but the system design is considerably limited and data transmission is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing electrical lines (power supply lines, control lines) to serve dual purposes: their original function plus data transmission. The data transceiver modulates data signals onto these existing lines, allowing them to carry both power/control and data functions simultaneously, thus eliminating the need for dedicated data lines while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data transmission functionality with existing electrical infrastructure by combining data signals with power or control signals on the same physical lines. The data transceiver combines modulation of data signals onto carrier signals already present on the lines, effectively merging multiple functions into a single transmission medium.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power line communication is used to transmit data signals via the main power supply line, then data communication is possible, but the electrical power conducted on the main power supply line is an interference source that weakens, distorts or renders unreadable the data signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using modulation techniques where data signals are superimposed on carrier signals already present on the electrical lines. The data transceiver acts as a mediator that encodes data onto the existing electrical signals through modulation, allowing data transmission while maintaining signal integrity despite the presence of power interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating data signals onto existing electrical lines at different frequencies or signal characteristics. The data transceiver changes the parameters of the carrier signals (frequency, phase, amplitude) to encode data, enabling reliable data transmission through the power lines without direct interference from the power conductors.
3Speed
If wireless data transmission is used for controlling further components, then fast data transmission is achieved, but the risk of interception and/or manipulation of data by unauthorized persons is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transmission from wireless space and relocates it to the existing electrical infrastructure. By taking out the data signals from the wireless domain and embedding them onto wired electrical lines through modulation, the system achieves fast data transmission while eliminating security risks associated with wireless interception and manipulation.
4Productivity
If additional dedicated data lines are installed for high-bandwidth data transmission, then video data or Internet connectivity can be transmitted, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing electrical lines to carry both their original functions (power supply, control) and high-bandwidth data transmission. The data transceiver modulates data signals onto these lines, allowing them to serve multiple purposes simultaneously, thus achieving high productivity without increasing system complexity or requiring additional infrastructure.
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, reliable, and efficient data transmission for various data types, including video and Internet data, without disturbing existing signals, using existing lines for dual-purpose communication, reducing component size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a data transceiver for modulating further data signals onto at least one of the other lines, wherein this at least one other line is thus a line used to transmit the further data signals
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting strip system (1) comprising a support rail system (10) and luminaires (200) and further components (300) connected thereto, wherein electrical lines (120) are arranged inside the support rail (100), and wherein the electrical lines (120) comprise both a main power supply line (130) and other lines (180). The support rail system furthermore comprises a data transceiver (20) for modulating further data signals D onto at least one of the other lines (180). A method for data communication within the lighting strip system (1) is also specified.