Modular Articulating Lighting With Conductive Links for Three-Color Lamp Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting fixtures with concatenated lamp heads that transmit power through articulating links are limited to illumination in two different colors.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture design that allows for more than two different illumination colors by using a system of jewels with links that support and transmit power, where each jewel can emit three different colors, controlled by a user-operable switch, and a microcontroller to distribute current between links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulating links are used to transmit power to lamp heads, then the lighting fixture can be extended and articulated, but the illumination is limited to only two different colors
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating link is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a mechanical connector for articulation and as an electrical conductor for power transmission. The link includes conductive elements that carry power to multiple lamp heads, enabling the system to provide three different illumination colors without requiring separate wiring for each color channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical articulation function and electrical power transmission function into a single integrated component (the articulating link). This merging eliminates the need for separate control wiring for each lamp head, thereby enabling multi-color illumination while maintaining system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lamp heads are connected through articulating links, then the lighting fixture can be extended, but controlling each additional jewel requires complex electrical wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating link serves as a universal power distribution component that can supply power to multiple lamp heads simultaneously. The conductive elements within the link are configured to distribute power across the entire chain of lamp heads, allowing each jewel to be controlled independently through the same power transmission pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into modular lamp heads (jewels) that can be independently controlled. Each jewel contains its own lighting elements and control circuitry, allowing them to operate autonomously while being powered through the shared articulating links. This segmentation enables flexible configuration without increasing wiring complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each jewel is equipped with independent control for color selection, then illumination flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each jewel (lamp head) is equipped with its own control circuitry and power distribution elements, enabling it to independently select and execute color changes without requiring external control signals for each individual jewel. The jewel autonomously manages its illumination state based on the power received through the articulating links.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating link's conductive elements are designed to universally support power distribution to multiple jewels while each jewel maintains independent color control capability. This universal power transmission pathway works with all connected jewels, simplifying the overall control architecture.
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 the selection and emission of three distinct colors across multiple lamp heads, enhancing lighting flexibility and aesthetics without requiring complex electrical wiring for each additional jewel.
Implementation Method 1
A lamp head may include one or more of a light-emitting diode ("LED") light source
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for lighting. The apparatus may include a first jewel and a second jewel. The first jewel may support the second jewel by a first link. The first jewel may support the second jewel by a second link. The first link and second links may be configured for transmission of current between the first jewel and the second jewel. The first and second links may be the only attachments of the second jewel to the first jewel. The first jewel may be configured to selectively emit three different colors of light. The second jewel may be configured to selectively emit three different colors of light. The second jewel may be configured to selectively emit the three different colors of the first jewel. The selection may be performed by a user using a switch.