Modular Troffer Luminaire With Replaceable Light Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing troffer and high bay luminaires are costly and time-consuming to replace when new lighting or control features are required, leading to waste and inefficiency in accommodating changing occupant preferences.
Innovation Solution
Modular luminaires with replaceable light modules and sensors, allowing for easy modification of lighting and control features post-installation, including support for different connectivity options like ZigBee and VLC, to meet specific needs without replacing the entire luminaire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If entire luminaires are replaced to provide different lighting or control features, then lighting requirements can be met, but cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into modular components including replaceable light modules, sensors, and control devices. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or upgraded without replacing the entire luminaire, thereby meeting different lighting requirements while reducing replacement time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic configurability through replaceable light modules with different lumen outputs, color temperatures, and beam angles. Users can dynamically adjust lighting characteristics by swapping modules rather than replacing entire fixtures, enabling adaptability over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entire luminaires are replaced to provide different lighting or control features, then lighting requirements can be met, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the luminaire into replaceable modules (light sources, optics, sensors, control devices), the system allows cost-effective upgrades of only the necessary components rather than replacing expensive entire fixtures, improving cost efficiency while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and mounting structure are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple types of light modules and control devices. This multi-functionality allows a single housing to support various lighting configurations, reducing overall system cost while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different types of sensors are installed to provide specific control features, then control requirements can be met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are implemented as separate, replaceable modules rather than integrated into the housing. This segmentation allows users to install only the specific sensor types needed (motion, occupancy, ambient light) without requiring complex integrated systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining control versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
A control device serves as an intermediary between sensors and light modules, managing sensor inputs and controlling light output. This intermediary architecture simplifies the system by centralizing control logic rather than requiring direct complex interactions between multiple sensor types and multiple light modules.
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
Enables cost-effective, code-compliant initial installations and allows for future adjustments to meet changing preferences, reducing waste and complexity by allowing components like light modules and sensors to be replaced or added without replacing the entire luminaire.
Implementation Method 1
The first light module comprises an LED light source and an optic
Data Source
AI summary
A modular troffer luminaire includes a housing having a perimeter frame, and a first light module removably attached to the housing. The first light module is replaceable by a second light module after the modular troffer luminaire is installed, where the first light module comprises an LED light source and an optic. The modular troffer luminaire further includes a sensor attached to the perimeter frame. The first light module is controllable based on sensing information from the sensor.