Rotationally Symmetrical Lighting Module Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems with polygonal modules lack the ability to be freely assembled without considering the orientation of each module, as electrical connections restrict arbitrary side connections, leading to potential short-circuits if modules are not aligned correctly.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of rotationally symmetrical connection members and bridge members that provide electrical and mechanical connections, allowing for arbitrary rotation and assembly of lighting modules while ensuring proper polarity alignment and mechanical stability without additional connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional electrical connection means are provided at the sides of lighting modules, then electrical connections can be established between modules, but the modules cannot be freely assembled without considering orientation, leading to potential short-circuits if modules are not aligned correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnectability freedomVSAvoidshort-circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection members are designed with rotational symmetry (e.g., 4-fold or 6-fold symmetry) rather than simple bilateral symmetry. This means the connection members have identical electrical terminals arranged in a circular pattern around the module, allowing the module to be connected in any rotational orientation without causing short-circuits, while still maintaining reliable electrical connections through the bridge members that match the symmetric terminal arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If connection members with electrical terminals are arranged to enable arbitrary rotation of lighting modules, then interconnectability freedom is improved, but the complexity of ensuring proper polarity alignment and electrical connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearbitrary rotation capabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge members are designed as universal connection elements that can connect any two connection members regardless of their rotational orientation. The bridge members contain electrical terminals that correspond to the symmetric arrangement on the connection members, allowing a single bridge member design to handle all possible connection scenarios (different rotations, different module types) without requiring multiple specialized connection components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge members act as intermediary elements between the connection members on adjacent lighting modules. Rather than requiring direct connection between modules, the bridge member mediates the electrical connection by providing a standardized interface that translates the symmetric terminal arrangements into reliable electrical connections, simplifying the overall connection system while enabling arbitrary rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8362715B2Lighting system comprising interconnectable lighting modules

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

This invention relates to a lighting system. The lighting system includes a plurality of interconnectable polygonal lighting modules, wherein each lighting module has a plurality of connection members each including at least one electrical terminal. The connection members are arranged rotationally symmetrically at the lighting module. The lighting system further includes bridge members. Each bridge member has bridge terminals and is mountable at neighboring connection members of different lighting modules, to form a bridge providing an electric connection between connection terminals of the different connection members.