Overhead Lighting Sections With Tension-Bearing Support Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Café light strings suspended over expansive venues often experience high tension in support cabling, leading to mechanical and electrical connector failures, which can result in power loss, damage, or injury, highlighting the need for a reliable and secure connection system.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising structural support cables and light strings with interconnected mechanical and electrical connectors, where the structural support cables bear the majority of the tensile force, and the light strings are coupled to these cables to distribute tension evenly, ensuring reliable power delivery and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple strings of lights are used to span large expanses, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the tension in support cabling increases causing connector failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting installation into multiple independent string sections, each with its own support cable and connectors. This segmentation allows the tension to be distributed across multiple connection points rather than concentrated at single points, reducing the risk of failure while maintaining coverage over large areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate support structures and tension distribution mechanisms that act as mediators between the light strings and the main support cable. These intermediaries help distribute the tensile force evenly across multiple connection points, preventing any single connector from bearing excessive tension that would cause failure.
2Length of stationary object
If high tension is applied to support cabling for expansive venues, then the lighting can span larger areas, but mechanical and electrical connectors may uncouple or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-installed connection points, clamps, and tension distribution hardware along the support structure before installing the light strings. This preliminary preparation ensures that when light strings are attached, the tension is immediately distributed to multiple pre-positioned anchor points rather than concentrating force at single connection points, protecting connectors from excessive stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural properties to different parts of the system: heavier-duty connectors and support elements are used at critical tension points, while lighter elements are used where less force is applied. This localized strengthening ensures that connectors are only as strong as needed for their specific position, optimizing both span capability and connector reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If customized lighting requirements are provided for each venue, then the lighting suitability is improved, but the system adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal connector system and modular light string configuration that can be adapted to different venue sizes and shapes without requiring custom-designed components. The standardized connection mechanisms and scalable string arrangements allow the same basic system to be configured for small patios or large expansive venues, maintaining both customization capability and system versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a lighting system configured to be suspended overhead between two supporting structures. A tensile force will be imparted to the lighting system as a consequence of suspending the lighting system overhead. The lighting system can include one or more lighting sections connected end to end. Each of the lighting sections has a structural support cable and a light string coupled thereto. Each of the lighting sections has first and second end connectors on first and second ends of the lighting section. The first and second end connectors provide mechanical connection between adjacent structural support cables as well as electrical connection between adjacent light strings. The lighting sections are configured such that the tensile force imparted to the lighting section is mostly borne by the structural support cable.