Rail Lighting Connector Assembly with Web-Passage Power Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting devices with rail profiles are complex to assemble and require laborious cabling for electrical power supply, necessitating a simpler and quicker assembly method.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a rail profile featuring a first and second area for coupling lighting units, equipped with conductor devices and connector units that can be easily electrically coupled through a passage in the rail profile's web, allowing for direct electrical contact and reduced cabling efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lighting fixtures use separate supply areas connected by cabling, then electrical power can be supplied to both areas, but the assembly becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function into the mechanical coupling interface. The connector integrates both mechanical support and electrical contact functions, eliminating the need for separate cabling systems. The contact sections are built into the connector body, which couples directly to the rail profile, thereby combining structural and electrical functions into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary element between the power supply area and the powered area. It provides both mechanical coupling and electrical contact through its contact sections that engage with conductor devices in the rail profile. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by replacing complex cabling with a direct electrical coupling mechanism.
2Reliability
If conventional lighting fixtures require separate feeders for each area, then complete power coverage is achieved, but installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can be used in both power supply areas and powered areas. It performs multiple functions: mechanical coupling to the rail profile, electrical contact through integrated contact sections, and signal transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for different types of feeders and simplifies installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are pre-integrated into the connector body during manufacturing. The contact sections are positioned and fixed within the connector housing before installation. This preliminary preparation of electrical connections eliminates the need for on-site cabling and complex electrical assembly during installation.
3Ease of operation
If connector units are integrated into the rail profile areas, then electrical coupling is simplified, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion that couples to the rail profile, contact sections that engage with conductor devices, and housing elements that provide structural support and insulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity of the coupling operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (1; 101) with a rail profile (10; 10') having a first and second section (11, 12) for coupling and supplying at least one lighting unit (2) to each section, wherein the first and second sections (11, 12) are each equipped with a conductor arrangement (21, 22) arranged substantially along a longitudinal direction (L) of the rail profile and are separated from each other by a web (13) of the rail profile. At least one passage (14; 114, 115, 116) is provided in the web. The lighting device comprises a first and second connector unit (30, 50; 130, 150). One of the connector units is inserted into the first section (11) and electrically contacted with its conductor arrangement (21). The other of the connector units is inserted into the second section (12) and electrically contacted with its conductor arrangement (22).The connector units are electrically coupled to each other through the at least one passage (14; 114, 115, 116) for the electrical coupling of the conductor arrangements (21, 22) of the first and second areas. The invention further relates to a kit for use in a lighting device (1; 101).