Modular Marshalling System for Scalable Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marshalling boxes have a fixed number of ports, requiring accurate pre-estimation of installation size and limiting the ability to add additional luminaires or peripherals without reconfiguring the system.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting controller system with a starter unit and extension units that can be connected via a connection port, allowing for scalable installation by adding extension units without re-wiring, and optionally incorporating wireless communication for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of ports is used in marshalling boxes, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different installation sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The marshalling box is divided into a base unit and multiple extension units, each with a fixed number of ports. The base unit contains the power supply connections, while extension units can be added via connection ports to increase the total number of luminaire ports. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different installation sizes while keeping each individual unit structurally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension units serve multiple functions: they provide additional luminaire ports and also include connection ports for further extensions or wireless communication devices. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without significantly increasing the complexity of individual components.
2Ease of operation
If accurate pre-estimation of installation size is required, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the ease of operation for future expansions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-configuration marshalling box to a dynamic expandable system. The base unit is manufactured with a standard number of ports, and extension units can be added later as needed. This dynamic approach improves ease of operation for future expansions while maintaining standard manufacturing processes for each unit type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models of marshalling boxes are stocked to suit different installation sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and inventory management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing and stocking multiple models of marshalling boxes with different port counts, the invention uses a universal base unit combined with interchangeable extension units. This approach provides adaptability for different installation sizes while simplifying inventory management, as only one base unit model and standardized extension units need to be stocked.
4Productivity
If all ports are used in a fixed marshalling box, then the productivity of the initial installation is maximized, but the adaptability for future additions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a base unit and modular extension units connected via connection ports. This allows the initial installation to use only the necessary number of ports in the base unit, maximizing productivity for the current needs. When future expansions are required, additional extension units can be connected without affecting the initial installation configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention provides a system for controlling electrical appliances. The system comprises: a marshalling device which comprises an input port connectable to at least one output port and to at least one connection port; and an extension device which comprises at least one output port and a connection port, wherein, in use, the extension device is connected to the marshalling device through the connection ports such that the output port of the extension device is connectable to the input port of the marshalling device.