Modular Light Fixture Connector for External Modulator Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional track lighting systems without modulation capabilities require costly redesign and additional production tooling to incorporate modulator circuitry, making it difficult for fixture manufacturers to balance aesthetic design with added functionality, and necessitating separate design lines for modulated and unmodulated fixtures.

Innovation Solution

A modular lighting fixture design that externally locates the modulator or modulator circuitry, allowing for easy swapping and upgrade, with a connector port that selectively receives either a jumper plug for unmodulated or a modulator for modulated electrical connections, enabling modulation capabilities without internal spatial accommodation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modulator circuitry is integrated inside the light fixture, then modulation capabilities are achieved, but fixture size increases and production costs increase due to redesign and new tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation capabilitiesVSAvoidfixture size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The modulator circuitry is extracted from the light fixture housing and placed on an external modulator module that couples to the fixture via a connector. This allows the fixture to maintain its original compact size while gaining modulation capabilities through the externally attached module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system is segmented into separate functional modules: the light fixture housing, the driver, and the modulator module. This segmentation allows independent design and production of each component, with the modulator module being optionally attached to provide modulation without affecting the base fixture design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate design lines are created for modulated and unmodulated fixtures, then modulation capabilities are provided, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation capabilitiesVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single light fixture design serves multiple functions by accepting either a jumper plug or a modulator module through the same connector. This universal interface allows the same fixture housing to be used for both modulated and unmodulated applications, eliminating the need for separate design lines and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed-function fixture to a dynamic, configurable system where the modulator module can be attached or removed based on application requirements. This dynamic configuration allows a single fixture design to adapt to different functional needs without requiring separate production lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If modulator circuitry is added to low-profile fixtures, then modulation capabilities are achieved, but aesthetic design is compromised due to increased size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation capabilitiesVSAvoidfixture profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The modulator circuitry is extracted from the fixture housing and placed on an external module, allowing the fixture to maintain its original low-profile aesthetic design while still providing modulation capabilities through the externally attached component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If internal space is allocated for modulator circuitry, then modulation capabilities are integrated, but production costs increase due to redesign and new tooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation capabilitiesVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modulator circuitry is extracted from the fixture and placed on an external module, eliminating the need for redesigning the fixture internal space and avoiding the costs associated with new production tooling for integrated modulators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented so that the modulator module is a separate, independently produced component that couples to the fixture. This allows the fixture to be manufactured using existing tooling and processes, while the modulator module can be produced separately and attached as needed, reducing overall production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10788191B1Power track and method of mounting and connecting a light modulator to supported luminaires

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

A light fixture, and lighting systems and methods, are provided for selectively receiving one of a modulator or a jumper plug at a connector port of the light fixture. The connector port is coupled between and electrically isolates a driver and a light emitting unit of the light fixture. The modulator, when connected to the connector port, is configured to receive unmodulated power from the driver and to provide modulated power to the light emitting unit. The jumper plug, when connected to the connector port, is configured to provide unmodulated power from the driver to the light emitting unit.