System and method for modular lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor lighting systems are either expensive and bespoke, lacking individually addressable lights and adaptability, or cost-effective but inflexible due to regular spacing constraints, which limits their ability to integrate with misting systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting system comprising individually addressable lighting units with a microcontroller, communication interface, and power converter, connected via cables with unique connectors, allowing for customizable configurations and integration with misting systems through a control box that manages address assignment and light evolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke conventional lighting systems are used, then color and intensity customization is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular units, each with identical standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows complex lighting configurations to be built from simple, interchangeable modules, reducing installation complexity while maintaining customization capability through modular arrangement rather than custom wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lighting unit is designed as a universal module capable of being placed in any position in the sequence and functioning independently. The standardized cable connectors and addressable control enable any unit to serve any position, eliminating the need for position-specific wiring and reducing installation complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke conventional lighting systems are used, then lighting configuration is improved, but rearrangement flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into identical modular units with standardized connectors, the patent enables easy rearrangement - units can be physically moved and reconnected without complex wiring changes. The modular design separates the physical structure from the control logic, allowing flexible reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic address assignment where each unit's identity is determined by its position in the cable sequence rather than fixed wiring. This dynamic addressing allows units to be moved and automatically reconfigured through software, enabling easy rearrangement while maintaining functional configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If mass-produced lighting systems are used, then cost is reduced, but spacing flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular units that can be manufactured using standardized mass-production techniques. The uniform interfaces and addressable control allow these mass-produced modules to be flexibly arranged in various spacings, combining the cost benefits of mass production with the adaptability of custom spacing configurations.
4Temperature
If lighting units are integrated with misting nozzles, then cooling effect is improved, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function with the misting function in integrated units, where each module contains both LED lighting elements and misting nozzle capabilities. This combining allows the two systems to be controlled together through the single addressable interface, improving cooling effect while managing integration complexity through unified modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular unit is designed as a multi-functional element that can provide both lighting and misting capabilities. This universal module can be deployed in positions requiring either or both functions, reducing the need for separate systems and simplifying overall integration while delivering enhanced cooling where needed.
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
The modular system provides adaptable, customizable outdoor lighting that can be easily rearranged and integrated with misting systems, offering a cost-effective solution with advanced features like variable color and brightness control, while maintaining the benefits of mass-produced components.
Implementation Method 1
a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the housing, the PCB having a plurality of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A modular lighting system having a plurality of lighting units is disclosed. Each lighting unit includes a plurality of LEDs coupled to a microcontroller that is coupled to a first cable connector and a second cable connector. The system further includes a control box having a user interface, the control box communicatively coupled to each lighting unit through a plurality of cables, the plurality of lighting units and the control box all communicatively and releasably coupled to each other in series. The control box is configured to send through the first cable connector an address packet. For each lighting unit, the microcontroller is configured to adopt a first address received as a first address packet while in an addressable state, the first address being unique among the lighting units, and further configured to send a second address packet to another microcontroller after placing it in the addressable state.