Rail Lighting System Single Conductive Track PCB Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rail lighting systems require multiple conductive tracks on a printed circuit board to control and supply LED light sources, leading to increased size and aesthetic compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a single conductive track on the printed circuit board, defined by alternating contact and insulation portions, allows efficient control and power supply, reducing the number of tracks needed and the overall size of the board and rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple conductive tracks are used on the printed circuit board to control and supply LED light sources, then reliable control and power supply is achieved, but the size of the printed circuit board and rail increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate conductive tracks into a single integrated conductive track structure. This single track carries multiple signals through its length, eliminating the need for parallel tracks and reducing the overall board area while maintaining all necessary control and power supply functions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar arrangement of multiple parallel tracks to a single track with spatial variation along its length. The track utilizes the longitudinal dimension to encode multiple signals, effectively adding a temporal/spatial dimension to signal transmission rather than relying solely on lateral track multiplication
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conductive tracks are used on the printed circuit board, then sufficient signal transmission is achieved, but the aesthetic compatibility and compact design are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple track functions are merged into a single conductive track structure, reducing visual clutter and simplifying the overall design. This consolidation improves aesthetic compatibility by creating a cleaner, more compact appearance while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single conductive track is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - carrying power signals, control signals, and data signals along its length. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated tracks for each signal type, reducing overall complexity
3Ease of operation
If larger printed circuit board size is used, then all control signals can be accommodated, but the rail lighting system becomes less compact and more intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention encodes multiple signals along the longitudinal dimension of a single track rather than requiring parallel tracks across the board width. This allows comprehensive signal transmission capability while keeping the board compact, as the track utilizes its length to carry multiple signal types sequentially or simultaneously
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
The solution enables a compact design while maintaining efficient control and power supply to multiple light sources, reconciling functional and aesthetic requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The track is defined by a sequence of conductive contact portions and insulation portions, alternating with one another... each lamp is equipped with a contact element (sliding along the guide with the lamp) that 'picks up' via respective contacts (for example, sliding contacts) the signals from the respective tracks
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting system (1) comprising a guide (2) extending along at least one path (P); at least one lamp (3), fitted to the guide (2) and movable on the guide (2) and provided with at least one light source (13); a circuit board (20) for controlling and supplying the light source (13) of the lamp (3), comprising at least one conductive track (21) extending along the path (P); the track (21) is defined by a sequence of contact portions (22), made of electric conductive material, and insulation portions (23), alternating with each other along the path (P) ; the lamp (3) is provided with a contact element (24) comprising at least one series of contacts (25) spaced apart from one another along the path (P) and which project from the lamp (3) to contact the track (21).