Configurable Lighting Trunking with AC/DC Coding Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trunking systems for lighting are either exclusively designed for AC or DC systems, making them non-interchangeable and incompatible, leading to complex logistics in manufacturing, distribution, and installation, as they cannot be easily configured to operate with both types of energy systems.
Innovation Solution
A configurable trunking system that uses coding members and blocking elements to differentiate between AC and DC systems, ensuring that only compatible components can be mounted, allowing the same system to be configured for either AC or DC operation by attaching specific coding members to the busbar and interconnecting members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated systems are used for AC and DC trunking systems, then system reliability and compatibility are improved, but device complexity and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single trunking system that can function with both AC and DC power supplies. The rail, busbar, and interconnecting members are designed with universal features that accommodate both system types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated AC and DC systems while maintaining reliability through type-specific coding members that ensure proper compatibility matching.
2Device complexity
If a single configurable system is used for both AC and DC trunking systems, then device complexity and logistics are simplified, but reliability and compatibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coding members as intermediary elements that mediate between the universal trunking system and the specific power supply type (AC or DC). These coding members attached to the busbar act as identifiers that guide the selection and attachment of corresponding interconnecting members, ensuring that only compatible components are assembled together. This intermediary mechanism maintains reliability by preventing incorrect AC-DC mixing while preserving the benefits of a single configurable system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coding members and blocking elements are added to configure the system, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the configuration function into separate, modular components: coding members attached to the busbar and corresponding interconnecting members with matching coding features. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility through configurable AC/DC support while managing complexity by keeping each component relatively simple and standardized. The coding members are discrete, attachable elements that add minimal complexity compared to designing entirely separate AC and DC systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A configurable trunking system for use as a first type system or a second type system comprises a rail (2), a busbar (5), a set of at least two distinguishable coding members (9, 6.3) attachable to the busbar (5) to configure the busbar (5) as first type busbar or second type busbar, an interconnecting member (3) configurable as first type or second type interconnecting member, and a blocking member (16) attachable to the interconnecting member. The busbar (5) is configured to provide a support structure (7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3) at least for two power supply wires (6.1, 6.2) and the coding members (9, 6.3), and the interconnecting member (3) is configured to be insertable into the rail (2) and busbar (5) for establishing electrical contact between the power supply wires (6.1, 6.2) and an electrical component attached to the interconnecting member (3). Electrical contacts (11.1, 11.2) are provided on the interconnecting member (3) in a first or a second arrangement to configure the interconnecting member (3) as first type interconnecting member or second type interconnecting member. The coding member (3) configuring the busbar (5) as first type busbar blocks an electrical contact (11.2) of the second type interconnecting member (3) and the coding member (6.3) configuring the busbar (5) as second type busbar blocks the blocking element (16) of the first type interconnecting member (3) for inhibiting establishment of the electrical contact.