Solid State Lighting Driver Isolation via Segmented Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems are inefficient and have shorter lifetimes compared to solid state light emitting devices, and they often require handling of electrical components that pose safety risks during installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A solid state lighting apparatus with an electrical connector that includes a recess for a solid state lighting driver circuit, covered by a non-conductive cover to prevent exposure and electrical isolation, allowing for easy installation and meeting safety certifications, using a flexible wire to connect the driver circuit to the light emitting device housed separately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the driver circuit is integrated with the light emitting device in conventional lighting systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but safety risks increase during installation and maintenance due to exposure of electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during installation and maintenanceVSAvoidseparation of driver circuit and light emitting device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the lighting system into separate modules: the driver circuit is housed in an electrical connector that interfaces with the fixture, while the light emitting device is housed in a separate lighting housing. This segmentation allows the electrical components to be isolated during installation and maintenance, improving safety while maintaining functional integration through electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical connector as an intermediary component that houses the driver circuit and provides a standardized interface between the fixture and the light emitting device. This intermediary allows electrical connection while physically isolating the driver circuit from direct handling during installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the driver circuit is exposed for easy connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but electrical safety certification cannot be met due to handler exposure to electrical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical safety certificationVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit is segmented into a separate electrical connector module that can be independently installed and connected. This allows the connector to be pre-assembled and tested, then safely connected to the lighting housing without requiring handlers to expose or manipulate live electrical components during final installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connector with driver circuit can be pre-assembled, pre-tested, and pre-certified as a complete unit before field installation. This preliminary action ensures safety certification is met while simplifying field installation to a simple connection operation that does not require handling exposed electrical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs are used, then the device complexity is low, but energy efficiency and lifetime are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsolid state lighting system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the solid state lighting system into distinct functional modules (driver circuit in electrical connector, light emitting devices in lighting housing) to manage the complexity introduced by energy-efficient solid state technology. This modular approach makes the complex system easier to install, maintain, and certify while preserving the energy efficiency benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of repair

If the electrical connector provides direct access to driver circuit components, then the ease of repair is improved, but safety risks and certification compliance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver circuit accessibilityVSAvoidelectrical safety during handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit is segmented into a separate, self-contained electrical connector module that can be replaced as a complete unit. This allows repair personnel to simply replace the entire connector module rather than manipulating individual electrical components, maintaining ease of repair while ensuring safety through complete isolation of electrical components within the sealed connector housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10012371B2Solid state lighting apparatus including isolated solid state lighting driver circuits and related solid state lighting covers, housings, and lenses

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 IDEAL IND LIGHTING LLC

AI summary

A solid state lighting apparatus can include an electrical connector that is configured to couple to a standardized electrical fixture, where the electrical connector provides a recess therein. A cover can be coupled to the electrical connector to cover the recess and a solid state lighting driver circuit can be located beneath the cover. A solid state lighting housing, that is separate from the electrical connector and the cover, can be configured to house a solid state light emitting device and at least one flexible wire can electrically couple the solid state lighting driver circuit to the solid state light emitting device.