System and method for modular lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor lighting systems are expensive, lack individually addressable lights, and are difficult to rearrange, while less expensive systems have fixed light spacings that hinder adaptability and integration with misting systems, limiting customization and flexibility.
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 flexible configuration and integration with misting systems through a control box that manages light colors, intensities, and patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke conventional lighting systems are used, then lighting customization and color control are improved, but system cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into discrete, addressable LED modules that can be individually controlled and replaced. Each module contains its own electronics and can be independently addressed via the daisy-chain communication interface, allowing granular customization without complex centralized control wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lighting platform where a single modular design can serve multiple functions - different colors, intensities, and patterns are achieved through software control of identical hardware modules, eliminating the need for custom-built systems for different lighting requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke conventional lighting systems are used, then lighting customization is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lighting system into identical, mass-producible modules with standardized interfaces, the patent enables economies of scale in manufacturing while maintaining full customization capability through software control of individual modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves lighting customization by changing software parameters (color values, intensity levels, timing patterns) rather than requiring different hardware configurations, allowing full versatility from a single standardized module design.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lighting systems with fixed spacing are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to variable spacing locations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from fixed spacing to dynamic, adjustable spacing by using modular modules connected via flexible cables of varying lengths. Each module can be positioned independently at any location along the cable run, allowing adaptation to irregular spacing requirements while maintaining standardized module manufacturing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lighting units are integrated with misting nozzles, then aesthetic and functional integration is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges lighting and misting functions into a single integrated module where the LED array and misting nozzle share a common housing and power supply. The modular design allows both functions to be controlled independently through the same communication interface, simplifying installation compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions - lighting, misting, and potential future functions - all within a single standardized unit that can be mass-produced and deployed uniformly throughout the system, reducing overall complexity despite the added functionality.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional lighting systems are used, then initial system cost is reduced, but rearrangement flexibility and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented, modular units with standardized connectors that can be easily disconnected and reconnected. This segmentation allows individual modules to be moved to different positions along the cable run without affecting other modules, enabling flexible rearrangement at minimal cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows individual lighting modules to be easily removed, replaced, or upgraded without disturbing the rest of the system. Defective or outdated modules can be discarded and replaced with new ones, while the remaining system continues to operate unchanged.
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.