Modular Emergency Lighting System with External Bus Architecture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency lighting systems face complexity in updates due to changing standards and building usage, requiring improved update capabilities to reduce effort while maintaining operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A modular emergency lighting system with self-sufficient modules interconnected via an internal bus, allowing for flexible configuration and easy addition or removal of modules to adapt to changing requirements, with each module performing specific core functions and communicating through a common bus protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with individual modules is used, then adaptability and ease of updates are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple interconnected components
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency lighting system is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of performing specific functions. These modules can be individually added, removed, or updated without affecting the entire system, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are designed with universal interfaces and communication protocols that allow them to work together in various configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same modular components to serve different purposes depending on the system configuration, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying the overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If modules are interconnected via an internal bus, then ease of operation and updates are improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential bus communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The bus communication system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the status of module communications. When communication failures or errors are detected, the system automatically responds by switching to alternative operating modes or notifying relevant components, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation through automated error handling.
3Ease of repair
If self-sufficient modules are used, then ease of repair and maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple independent components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into self-sufficient modules that can be independently repaired or replaced. Each module contains its own necessary components and functionality, allowing maintenance personnel to work on individual modules without disassembling the entire system, thereby improving ease of repair while managing complexity through standardized modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are designed to be self-sufficient with integrated power supplies, control circuits, and monitoring capabilities. This self-service design allows modules to continue operating independently even when others are being repaired, and enables quick replacement of faulty modules without requiring complex system-wide adjustments, balancing ease of repair with manageable device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An emergency lighting system 101 is composed of individual, independently operating modules 15, 15I, 15II, and 113, each performing its own core function. The modules can be distributed throughout the building and are interconnected via a single internal bus 151, which can be extended unchanged as an external bus 151. A connection between all modules of a central unit is looped through from module to module. Additional modules, such as CCM, CES, CEV, CMT, CMA, CLM, CMM, CPS, and BBC, can be connected to the external bus 151. In a method for operating a corresponding emergency lighting system 101 with several emergency lights 31, 31I, 31II, 33, wherein the modules 15, 15I, 15II, 113 are at least partially connected in series and communication takes place between the modules using a bus system 151, a single monitoring module CMM monitors the functioning of the internal-external bus 151.In a procedure for creating a corresponding updateable emergency lighting system 101, several modules are installed and connected via an external bus 151.