Modular Connection Expansion for Compact Lighting Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lighting system components face challenges in miniaturization due to a high number of connections, which are complex and expensive to manage, especially when requiring multiple functions and loop-through capabilities for signal and supply lines.

Innovation Solution

A connection expansion module with securing means, contact elements, and multiple connections that allow for flexible adaptation of connection types and sizes, enabling loop-through of electrical lines and strain relief, facilitating the connection of larger cross-section lines and reducing installation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of connections is increased to provide multiple functions and loop-through capabilities, then the functional versatility is improved, but the component size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into a base component and a separate connection expansion module. The expansion module contains additional connections and can be attached to the base component, allowing functional versatility to be increased without permanently complicating the base component design. Users can select only the connection types needed for specific applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection expansion module serves multiple functions: it provides additional connection types (screw terminal, spring terminal, wire connector), enables loop-through capabilities, and allows adaptation to different cable cross-sections. This single modular component replaces what would otherwise require multiple different base component designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of connections is increased to enable loop-through and multiple functions, then the application coverage is improved, but the miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication coverageVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the connection functionality into a detachable expansion module, the base component can remain compact while the additional connections are housed in a separate unit that only increases overall size when actually attached and needed for specific applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection expansion module extends the connection capabilities in a spatial dimension outside the main component body. Additional connections are arranged in a way that utilizes available space efficiently, allowing multiple connection types without proportionally increasing the core component volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different connection types are provided at components, then the adaptability to different applications is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different connection types are manufactured as separate standardized expansion modules rather than being integrated into each base component. This allows the base component to be produced in a single standard configuration, simplifying its manufacturing, while connection variety is achieved through modular expansion modules that can be attached as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection expansion module replicates multiple connection types (screw terminal, spring terminal, wire connector) in a single standardized design. This copied modular architecture can be universally applied across different base components, reducing the need to manufacture different connection variants for each component type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If larger cross-section lines are connected to reduce voltage drop, then the electrical performance is improved, but the connection complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical performanceVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection expansion module provides multiple connection types including screw terminals and spring terminals that are specifically designed to accommodate larger cross-section cable lines. These connection types enable reliable electrical performance with reduced voltage drop while maintaining ease of installation through standardized, user-friendly connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12199391B2Connection expansion module

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection expansion module (2) for a component (1) of a lighting system, having a securing means (22 . . . 25, 29) for securing the connection expansion module to the component, at least one contact element (7 . . . 10) for contacting an electric connection (L, N, S1, S2) of the component (1), and multiple connections (12 . . . 19) connected to the contact element (7 . . . 10) in order to connect electric lines to the connection expansion module (2).