Modular Lighting Apparatus with Flexible Cover and Shared Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems are often deployed separately, leading to increased installation costs and complex control systems, as well as a lack of flexibility and satisfaction in light quality and output.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting apparatus design featuring a flexible light passing cover, two light bars, a base bracket, terminal covers, a driver module, and an internal cover, allowing for easy connection and configuration of multiple units with a driver module that can share control signals and sensor data via a connecting wire, and featuring a reflective layer and metal construction for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lighting apparatus are deployed separately, then each unit can be independently controlled, but installation costs increase and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting apparatus into a single integrated system through a common control unit that manages all connected lighting devices. This merging approach reduces overall control complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control individual units through software-based channel management, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple types of lighting apparatus simultaneously. It can handle various lighting modes, dimming levels, and control protocols through a single device, replacing the need for dedicated control systems for each lighting unit and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting apparatus are deployed separately, then each unit operates independently, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into modular lighting apparatus units that can be independently installed and configured, yet easily connected to form a larger system. Each unit maintains independent operation capability while sharing a common control protocol, allowing flexible deployment scenarios from single-unit to multi-unit installations without proportional cost increases.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal control protocol and interface design enables the same control unit to manage any number of lighting apparatus, reducing installation costs through standardization. The system can adapt to different deployment scales without requiring specialized hardware or complex integration work, making multi-unit installations cost-effective.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional lighting sources are used, then initial cost is lower, but energy consumption increases and lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional lighting sources to LED technology, fundamentally changing the operational parameters including energy consumption, lifetime, and efficiency. While initial costs may be higher, the operational parameters improve significantly with LEDs consuming less energy and providing longer service life, creating a trade-off that favors long-term cost effectiveness over initial expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to optimize total cost of ownership rather than just initial cost. By using energy-efficient LEDs with extended lifetimes, the patent reduces ongoing operational costs and replacement frequencies, making the overall system more economical despite potentially higher upfront investment compared to traditional short-lived, high-consumption lighting sources.
4Use of energy by moving object
If LED lighting is used, then energy consumption decreases and lifetime increases, but initial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the parameter change in initial cost as a necessary investment to achieve superior energy efficiency and extended lifetime parameters. The system design optimizes for long-term operational excellence rather than minimizing upfront expenditure, positioning LED technology as the preferred solution despite higher initial costs due to its superior operational characteristics.
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 design simplifies installation, reduces costs, enhances light quality and flexibility, and enables coordinated control of multiple lighting units through a grouping identifier and sensor sharing, improving overall lighting efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
LED lighting, a solid-state lamp that uses light-emitting diodes as the source of light
Implementation Method 2
featuring a reflective layer and metal construction for safety
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a lighting apparatus includes a light passing cover, two light bars, a base bracket, two terminal covers, a driver module and an internal cover. The light passing cover is made with a flexible material. The two light bars are disposed on the base plate for generating a light passing through the light passing cover. The base bracket has a base plate and two lateral walls. The base plate has a rectangular shape with two long sides and two short sides. The two lateral walls are disposed at the two long sides of the base plate. The light passing cover is fixed between the two lateral walls when the first external force is removed. The terminal cover has a wiring hole for passing a connecting wire. The connecting wire is connected between the driver module to an external lighting apparatus.