Modular Lighting System with Conductive Power Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems lack flexibility in configuration and are limited by fixed positions and power requirements, restricting the variety of light fixtures and configurations that can be used.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting system comprising canopies, power bars, and pendants with interchangeable hangers and connectors, allowing for a wide range of configurations by supporting power distribution through non-conductive bars and conductive hangers, enabling various arrangements and angles of light fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional track lighting is used, then power distribution is provided to light fixtures, but the number, size and shape of light fixtures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate modular components: canopies, power bars, hangers, and pendants. Each component can be independently selected and combined, allowing unlimited configurations of light fixtures in terms of number, size, and shape while maintaining power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power bars serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for hanging pendants and simultaneously distribute electrical power through conductive rails. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply connections at each fixture location, enabling greater design flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If surface mounted or recessed lights are used, then fixed positions are provided, but flexibility in light positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed installations to dynamic, adjustable configurations. Pendants can be hung at various positions along the power bars and at different heights using adjustable hangers, allowing the lighting layout to be reconfigured as needed while maintaining stable electrical connections through the conductive rail system.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional lighting systems are used, then power requirements are met, but the number and configuration of fixtures are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Conductive power bars act as intermediaries between the power source canopy and multiple pendant fixtures. The power bars with conductive rails efficiently distribute electrical power to numerous pendants simultaneously, enabling an increased quantity of light fixtures without compromising power distribution efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular lighting system for providing light in various areas includes one or more canopies (100), a set of bars (302. 304), a set of hangers (202, 204, 206, 208) for supporting the bars from canopies and, optionally other supports, a set of pendants (402,404, 406, 408, 410) with light emitting elements and a set of hangers (210, 212, 214, 216, 218) for supporting the pendants from the bars. The bars include two segments (354, 356) with conductive rails disposed or imbedded in their inner surfaces. The hangers have one or two rods and bases shaped and sized for mounting on the bars with the rods contacting the conductive rails. The hangers and bars cooperate to allow the hangers to be placed anywhere along the bars. Pendants can be hanged on the bars singly, or in clusters. In this manner systems can be formed easily and quickly to achieve systems having various esthetic and utilitarian configurations.