Modular Luminaire System for Upgradable Smart Functionality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 of modular components with distinct interfaces for power and communication, enabling the integration of various functionalities like sensors, cameras, and wireless communication, while preserving the native lighting function and allowing for easy module swapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire luminaire is replaced to upgrade functionality or fix secondary functions, then the luminaire can achieve updated capabilities, but the durable portions of the luminaire are wastefully discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into two independent segments: a durable native luminaire body and replaceable functional modules. The body includes a receiver that can selectively accept different modules, each providing specific secondary functions such as communication or sensing. This segmentation allows the durable body to be retained while only the functional modules are replaced, resolving the contradiction between achieving updated capabilities and avoiding waste of durable portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire luminaire is replaced to catch up with rapidly-evolving technology, then the luminaire can incorporate new technologies, but the replacement cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the luminaire into a permanent body and replaceable modules, the system allows rapid technological updates through module replacement rather than entire fixture replacement. This reduces the frequency and cost of replacements while maintaining technological relevance.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture creates a dynamic system where functional modules can be easily added, removed, or swapped to adapt to evolving technology needs. This dynamic configurability enables the luminaire to stay technologically current without requiring complete system replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional luminaires are upgraded to include communication functionality or sensors, then the luminaire can interact as part of the IoT, but the entire fixture must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is segmented into a native body and separate functional modules containing communication interfaces, sensors, or other smart capabilities. This allows smart functionality to be added through simple module attachment rather than complete fixture replacement, significantly reducing upgrade costs while enabling IoT integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture is configured to receive a module that can add certain functionality to the light fixture and/or alter the way the light fixture is controlled. The light fixture includes a module receiver configured to receive one of a plurality of modules. When a first module is coupled to the light fixture, the light fixture 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 light fixture has a second range of functionality dictated at least in part by the functionality of the second module.