Modular Luminaire Interface for Upgradable Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional luminaires lack the ability to be easily upgraded or modified to incorporate new functionalities such as communication or sensor capabilities without replacing the entire fixture, leading to wastefulness and obsolescence due to rapid technological advancements.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design that allows for the addition and replacement of modules with different functional structures, enabling the integration of new features like sensors and communication systems while preserving the native lighting function, using a module electrical and physical interface that can be easily coupled and decoupled from the luminaire body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire luminaire is replaced to add new functionalities or update technology, then the luminaire gains new capabilities (communication, sensors, control), but the cost increases and electronic waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into distinct functional modules: a permanent luminaire body containing the lighting element and power supply, and separate interchangeable functional modules containing sensors, communication interfaces, and control electronics. This segmentation allows the functional modules to be replaced independently without discarding the entire luminaire, reducing electronic waste while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of functional modules. The standardized electrical and mechanical interfaces enable a single luminaire body to support various functionalities (motion sensing, ambient light sensing, wireless communication, etc.) through interchangeable modules, making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple different luminaire models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire luminaire is replaced to catch up with rapidly-evolving technology, then the luminaire remains technologically relevant, but the cost increases and durable portions are wastefully discarded
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the luminaire into a permanent body and replaceable functional modules, the system allows selective updating of only the technological components (sensors, communication modules) while retaining the durable luminaire body. This reduces the cost of technological upgrades compared to replacing entire luminaires.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire system is designed to be dynamically upgradable through interchangeable modules. As new technologies become available, functional modules can be replaced or added to keep the luminaire technologically relevant without replacing the entire fixture, making the system adaptable over time in a cost-effective manner.
3Ease of operation
If modular interfaces are added to enable module replacement, then the luminaire can be upgraded efficiently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical interface and mechanical interface for module attachment are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the module replacement process, making it easy to perform while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal interface design is implemented that handles both electrical connections and mechanical mounting through a standardized connector. This single universal interface supports multiple functional modules without requiring different connection mechanisms for each module type, simplifying the overall system while enabling ease of module replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture can be electrically connected to a module that can add certain functionality and/or alter the way the light fixture is controlled. A module base includes a module receiver configured to receive one of a plurality of modules. At least the module base is connected to input power. When a first module is coupled to the module base, the combination of the light fixture and module has a first range of functionality dictated at least in part by the functionality of the first module. When the first module is removed and replaced with a second module, the combination of the light fixture and the module has a second range of functionality dictated at least in part by the functionality of the second module.