Lighting Signal Transmission Through Structure-Borne Sound
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in transmitting information without the use of radio antennas and electrical or optical conductors, particularly due to aesthetic concerns with external antennas and the need for accessible connections for wired transmission.
Innovation Solution
Signal and data transmission is achieved via structure-borne sound using transmitters and receivers within the lighting system components, utilizing vibration exciters and microphones, with signals propagating through solid structures like mounting rails and ceilings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radio antennas are integrated into lighting components with metallic housings, then wireless signal transmission is enabled, but the integration becomes complex and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic wave-based wireless transmission (radio antennas) with mechanical vibration-based structure-borne sound transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for integrating radio antennas into metallic housings, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining wireless communication capability between lighting components.
2Device complexity
If external antennas are used for wireless transmission, then signal transmission is simplified, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio antenna-based electromagnetic transmission with structure-borne sound transmission through mechanical vibrations. This allows signal transmission without external antennas, preserving the aesthetic appearance of lighting components while simplifying the implementation by utilizing existing structural components as transmission media.
3Reliability
If wired signal transmission is used, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but accessible connections and cables must be provided between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing structural components (mounting rails, housings, structural connections) serve dual functions: both mechanical support and signal transmission pathways. This eliminates the need for separate cables and connections while maintaining reliable signal transmission, as the structure itself becomes the transmission medium.
4Device complexity
If structure-borne sound transmission is used, then the need for radio antennas and conductors is eliminated, but signal transmission through solids must be established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables structure-borne sound transmission by utilizing the existing structural components (mounting rails, housings, structural connections) that are already present in the lighting system. The system serves itself by making its own structural elements the transmission medium, eliminating the need for additional antennas or conductors and simplifying manufacturing.
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 wireless information transmission between lighting components without additional wiring, allowing flexible component positioning and configuration, while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
signal and thus ultimately data transmission takes place by means of structure-borne sound. For this purpose, the system has at least one transmitter for sending signals by means of structure-borne sound
Implementation Method 2
The receiver, on the other hand, is located at a remote position and can detect a vibration in the element to which it is connected
Implementation Method 3
Vibration exciters, dynamic or electrostatic actuators, and especially piezoelectric actuators, can be used as transmitters
Implementation Method 4
microphones, pickups, accelerometers, or seismometers as receivers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for transmitting information in a lighting system with at least one transmitter (14.. 16) for sending signals by means of structure-borne sound and at least one receiver (17..20) for receiving the signals transmitted by means of structure-borne sound.