Multi-Channel Cabinet Lighting Strip to Reduce Installation Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of lighting systems in storage cabinets is tedious, time-consuming, and complicated, requiring separate power connections for each lighting zone, which increases costs and complexity due to the need for drilling holes and extensive wiring.
Innovation Solution
An integrated lighting and power system with a powered light strip having multiple channels and segments, where each segment can be independently controlled, allowing for pre-installation or on-site installation, and connected to a single power source via a multi-channel configuration, reducing the need for multiple power connections and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate power connections are provided for each lighting zone, then independent control of each zone is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power connections into a single power lead that distributes power to multiple lighting zones simultaneously. The powered light strip integrates multiple channels within one continuous structure, eliminating the need for separate power cords for each zone while maintaining independent control capability through the multi-channel architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered light strip serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides power distribution, lighting illumination, and control signaling across multiple zones simultaneously. The multi-channel configuration allows one device to perform what previously required multiple separate devices and connections.
2Ease of operation
If separate power connections are provided for each lighting zone, then independent control of each zone is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate wiring systems into a single integrated powered light strip. Instead of having separate power cords, switches, and connections for each lighting zone, the multi-channel powered light strip consolidates all these functions into one continuous component with internal channel separation, dramatically reducing wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered light strip is segmented into multiple independent channels within a single continuous structure. Each channel can be independently controlled while remaining physically integrated with the others, allowing zone independence without the complexity of separate physical connections for each zone.
3Ease of manufacture
If physical modification of cabinets is required for lighting installation, then lighting features can be installed, but manufacturing precision and cabinet integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The powered light strip is designed to be pre-installed on cabinets during cabinet manufacturing before final assembly. This preliminary installation allows for precise positioning and integration without requiring post-installation modifications, preserving cabinet integrity while ensuring proper lighting installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is merged with the cabinet structure as an integrated component rather than an after-market addition. The powered light strip becomes part of the cabinet assembly process, eliminating the need for separate installation steps that would require drilling or physical modification of the cabinet structure.
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
This solution simplifies the installation of cabinet lighting systems by allowing independent control of multiple zones with a single power lead, reducing installation time and cost, while providing flexible and customizable lighting options for various cabinet configurations.
Implementation Method 1
LED lights, and particularly LED lighting strips, are commonly used for lighting features and solutions for cabinet systems
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated lighting and power system for cabinetry includes a controller, a power lead connectable to the controller, and a powered light strip coupled to the power lead. The powered light strip has multiple channels. A plurality of light strip segments is connected to one another forming the powered light strip. Each light strip segment has one or more illumination elements. The controller is connected or connectable to a power source. The one or more illumination elements of a first segment of the plurality of light strip segments is connected to a first channel of the multiple channels and the one or more illumination elements of a second segment of the plurality of light strip segments is connected to a second channel of the multiple channels. The first and second channel and the first and second segments of the plurality of light strip segments are independently controllable via the controller.