Sealed Luminaire Capacitive Actuation for External Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp programming and configuration methods often require external devices and openings in the lamp housing, leading to potential leaks and incompatibility with sealed, high-protection lights.
Innovation Solution
A completely closed lamp housing with capacitive sensor actuating means that can be operated externally, eliminating the need for external connections and maintaining the housing's seal, utilizing a flexible printed circuit board and optical elements for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the luminaire housing is completely enclosed to protect from external influences, then protection against external influences is improved, but programming or configuration becomes more complex as interfaces are not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact (buttons, switches, cable connections) with capacitive sensing technology. The capacitive sensor detects touch or proximity through the sealed housing wall without requiring physical openings, thus maintaining the sealed structure while enabling user interaction for programming and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor acts as an intermediary between the user and the luminaire's internal electronics. It transmits control signals through the sealed housing wall without compromising the seal, allowing programming and configuration operations to be performed on already installed luminaires.
2Ease of operation
If buttons or switches are provided for programming or configuration, then address assignment becomes easier, but the housing requires openings that lead to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons or switches that require housing openings with capacitive sensors. These sensors can be integrated into the sealed housing wall and detect user input through capacitive coupling without requiring physical breaches in the housing, thus preventing leaks while maintaining ease of address assignment.
3Ease of operation
If an external device is connected via adapter cable for programming, then configuration is possible, but the interface must be open or have easily accessible cover which compromises sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for external devices and adapter cables by integrating capacitive sensors directly into the luminaire housing. This allows programming and configuration to be performed by simply touching the housing surface, removing the need for any external connections or accessible covers and thus preserving the sealing integrity of high-protection luminaires.
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 secure and efficient programming and configuration without exposing the lamp housing, ensuring protection from external influences and simplifying the address assignment process.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating means have a capacitive sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Luminaire (1) with a preferably completely enclosed luminaire housing (2) and with actuating means (3) arranged inside the luminaire housing (2) for programming, configuring or controlling the luminaire (1), wherein the actuating means (3) can be operated from outside the luminaire housing (2) and the luminaire housing (2) is closed in the area of the actuating means (3).