Modular Linear Lighting Device with Distributed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear lighting devices using LED light sources lack flexibility in configuring the length and modular control of lighting modules, which limits their ability to adapt to various lighting applications and requirements.
Innovation Solution
A linear lighting device comprising a plurality of controllable LED light sources, with elongated housing, lighting modules, and emitter modules, allowing for modular configuration and control through a DC power bus and communication protocols like I2C and RS-485, enabling adjustable intensity and color of the light emitted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear lighting devices use fixed-length housing and integrated lighting modules, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to various lighting applications and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is divided into multiple independent lighting modules that can be selectively assembled. Each module contains its own LED emitters, lenses, and optical elements, allowing the system to be configured in different lengths and arrangements based on specific application requirements while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting modules are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized optical pathways that allow the same module design to serve multiple applications. The modular architecture enables a single module type to be used in various configurations (different lengths, orientations, and densities) to meet diverse lighting needs without requiring custom designs for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If linear lighting devices use integrated control circuits for the entire device, then control logic is simplified, but flexibility in controlling individual lighting sections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed control circuits, with each lighting module containing its own control electronics. This allows independent control of individual modules while maintaining a standardized control interface. The segmented control architecture enables flexible lighting scenes and selective zone control without requiring complex centralized control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication bus or control signal pathway acts as an intermediary between the central control system and individual module control circuits. This intermediary enables standardized control commands to be transmitted to multiple modules, with each module's control circuit interpreting and executing appropriate actions, thus providing flexible control without requiring complex custom control logic in each module.
3Adaptability or versatility
If linear lighting devices use fixed optical pathways, then manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but adaptability to different lighting patterns and distributions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into modular components (LED emitters, lenses, reflectors, diffusers) that are pre-assembled and tested as complete lighting modules. Each module maintains fixed internal optical relationships for manufacturing precision, while the modular assembly allows different combinations and arrangements to create varied lighting patterns and distributions for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting modules incorporate adjustable or reconfigurable optical elements that can be positioned or oriented to create different lighting patterns. This dynamic capability allows the same physical module to produce various light distributions and patterns without requiring custom-manufactured optical pathways for each pattern, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving adaptability.
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 solution provides a flexible and customizable linear lighting system that can be configured to various lengths and applications, offering precise control over light intensity and color, enhancing its adaptability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The linear lighting device may include a total internal reflection lens for each of the plurality of lighting modules. The total internal reflection lens may be configured to diffuse light emitted by the emitter modules of the plurality of lighting modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear lighting device may include an elongated housing that defines a cavity. The linear lighting device may include plurality of emitter printed circuit boards configured to be received within the cavity. Each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards may include a plurality of emitter modules mounted thereto. Each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards may include a control circuit configured to control the plurality of emitter modules mounted to the respective emitter printed circuit board based on receipt of one or more messages. The linear lighting device may include a total internal reflection lens for each of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards. The total internal reflection lens may be configured to diffuse light emitted by the emitter modules of the plurality of emitter printed circuit boards.