Modular LED Lighting Fixtures with Protocol Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networked LED lighting systems face challenges in efficient installation, control resolution, and power management, particularly in large-scale applications, due to cumbersome address setting processes, limited control resolution, and expensive mounting requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular LED-based lighting fixtures with integrated circuit boards, power, and control systems that allow end-to-end connection without gaps, featuring a communication protocol converter for Ethernet-based communications, and a power supply with energy storage and DC-DC conversion, enabling precise control and efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional physical switches (dipswitches, dials) are used to set addresses for each lighting device, then each device can be individually addressed on the network, but the system configuration becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based address setting system with an automated electronic identification system. Each lighting device incorporates an integrated circuit containing a unique identification code, and a programmer device communicates with these devices through the network to automatically assign addresses, eliminating the need for manual mechanical switch configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting devices automatically provide their unique identification codes to the programmer device when addressed, enabling the system to self-configure without requiring manual intervention at each device. The automated programming process allows the system to identify and address multiple devices sequentially through the network.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional external power and control lines are fed through junction boxes at each fixture, then power and data can be distributed to each component, but mounting becomes expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution and control signal transmission into a single integrated network cable system. The lighting devices are designed to receive both power and control data through the same network infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power lines and junction boxes at each fixture location.
Solution Approach 2:
The network cable system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both electrical power delivery and digital control communication to the lighting devices. This multi-functional approach replaces the conventional separate power and control infrastructure.
3Illumination intensity
If discrete lighting components are used in linear installations, then individual control of each component is possible, but gaps between adjoining fixtures create visual discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple LED light sources and their control circuits into a single unified lighting fixture housing. This integration allows the fixture to function as one continuous light-emitting unit, eliminating visible gaps between separate components while maintaining the ability to individually control each LED through the network system.
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
This solution enhances installation efficiency, improves control resolution, and reduces mounting costs by allowing seamless connection and precise power management, enabling the creation of complex lighting effects and designs in large-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one switching power supply for receiving an A.C. line voltage and providing a D.C. output voltage
Implementation Method 2
a power supply with energy storage and DC-DC conversion
Implementation Method 3
a power supply with energy storage and DC-DC conversion
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of LED-based lighting units coupled to the D.C. output voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting fixture, and methods for powering and operating same. The fixture comprises a housing having multiple portions. One or more power and control circuit boards are disposed in a first portion of the housing, comprising one or more switching power supplies for receiving an A.C. line voltage and providing a D. C. output voltage, and a communication protocol converter for receiving first lighting instructions formatted according to a first communication protocol and converting at least some of the first lighting instructions to second lighting instructions formatted according to a second communication protocol. A plurality of modular circuit boards are disposed in the second portion of the housing and coupled to the power and control circuit board(s). Each modular circuit board comprises a plurality of LED-based lighting units coupled to the D. C. output voltage and responsive to the second lighting instructions formatted according to the second communication protocol.