Two-Conductor Cable Lighting With Wireless Individual Dimming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular lighting systems are limited in versatility, require complex cabling for independent control, and have difficulties in achieving diverse spatial configurations and luminous performances.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting system with a flat cable and fastening elements that allows independent control of each lighting device using only two conductors, featuring a support cable with conductive wires, reinforcement, and a filler material, along with coupling elements and a printed circuit board for power and control management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lighting devices are connected in series with multiple conductors for independent control, then control capability is improved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical control system (multiple conductors for power and control signals) with a wireless communication system. Each lighting device includes a wireless communication module that communicates with a control device via wireless signals, eliminating the need for separate control conductors and simplifying the cabling structure while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the two-conductor cable serve multiple functions: it provides both power supply (through the two conductors) and structural support (as a suspension cable). The wireless communication module adds control functionality without requiring additional conductors, allowing the same cabling infrastructure to support multiple functions simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If more conductors are used for controlling each lighting device independently, then control capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex multi-conductor wiring system with a wireless communication system. Each lighting device is equipped with a wireless communication module that enables independent control through wireless signals, dramatically simplifying the assembly process by eliminating the need to run and connect multiple control conductors to each device
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting devices are designed with integrated wireless communication modules that enable them to autonomously communicate with the control device. This self-contained design allows each device to be independently controlled without requiring complex external wiring, making the system easier to manufacture and assemble
3Device complexity
If lighting devices are connected in series, then cabling is simplified, but versatility and spatial configuration flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the series connection control method with wireless communication. Each lighting device has its own wireless communication module that can independently receive control signals, allowing devices to be connected in parallel while maintaining independent control capability. This enables flexible spatial configurations without being constrained by series connection requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system by providing each lighting device with its own wireless communication module. This segmentation allows each device to operate independently and be controlled individually, enabling versatile spatial configurations while maintaining cabling simplicity through the use of a common two-conductor power supply cable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lighting system (1) comprises a support cable (2) having two conductive wires (13) only; a plurality of fastening elements (3) for supporting the cable (2) along a path; a plurality of coupling elements (4) fixable to the cable (2) and having respective pairs of contacts (44) which draw current from the cable (2); and a plurality of lighting devices (5) coupled to respective coupling elements (4); each coupling element (4) is provided with a printed circuit board (50), connected to the contacts (44) and to the lighting device (5) coupled to the coupling element (4) and comprising a DC converter (51); a dimmer (52); and a Bluetooth module (53) for receiving and processing signals from an external control device; the board (50) is configured to receive current from the cable (2) and generate a dimmed direct current which supplies the lighting device (5) connected to the board (50).