Sensor Strip Integration in Luminaire Edge Without Panel Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of sensors in luminaires requires opening the light panel and the use of additional light blocking members, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sensor strip with a flexible printed circuit board, conductive tracks, a sensor, and a driver, where the sensor and driver are conductively coupled and mounted on the board, allowing the strip to be wrapped around the luminaire edge without opening the panel or using a light blocking member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is installed in a luminaire by opening the light panel, then the sensor can be integrated into the luminaire, but the manufacturing complexity increases and additional light blocking members are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented from the main luminaire structure, allowing it to be installed independently on the light panel without opening the panel itself. The sensor housing and mounting components are separate from the light panel, enabling attachment to the exterior surface while maintaining panel integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is designed to nest within or around the luminaire frame structure. The mounting bracket integrates with the existing frame geometry, allowing the sensor assembly to be contained within the overall luminaire envelope without requiring panel openings or additional external blocking elements.
2Ease of operation
If an opening is made through the light panel for sensor installation, then the sensor can be positioned, but light leakage occurs requiring additional light blocking members
Solution Approach 1:
A light blocking bracket or shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor opening and the light panel. This intermediary element blocks light paths that would otherwise leak through the opening, while allowing sensor signals to pass through unobstructed. The bracket serves as a mediator that simultaneously addresses both positioning and light leakage concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
Light blocking properties are applied locally at the sensor opening region rather than across the entire light panel. The blocking bracket is positioned specifically where light leakage occurs, providing targeted light control without affecting the overall light output or requiring modifications to the entire panel structure.
3Reliability
If traditional sensor installation methods are used with panel openings, then sensors can be integrated, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing and mounting bracket are pre-assembled as a complete unit before installation on the luminaire. Electrical connections and mechanical mounting features are prepared in advance, allowing the entire sensor assembly to be installed as a single component without requiring panel opening operations during final assembly. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable or flexible mounting features that allow for quick positioning and securing of the sensor assembly. The dynamic mounting mechanism enables rapid installation without requiring precise alignment or complex fastening procedures, thereby increasing production efficiency while ensuring reliable sensor integration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)~5(d)
AI summary
A luminaire assembly kit, a luminaire and a luminaire installation including a sensor strip (30) comprising a flexible printed circuit board (31) having opposing major surfaces (32, 33) and a plurality of conductive tracks (34) embedded in the flexible printed circuit board (31); a sensor (20); and a driver (22) for said sensor (20). The sensor (20) and the driver (22) are conductively coupled to each other through at least some of said conductive tracks (34) and are mounted on one of said major surfaces (32, 33) at opposing ends of the flexible printed circuit board (31). The luminaire assembly kit or luminaire further comprises a light transmissive body and a frame (11). During assembly a section of the flexible printed circuit board (31) is wrapped around an edge (15) of the light transmissive body such that it is located in between the frame (11) and the light transmissive body.