Wall-Mountable Luminaire With Multi-Standard Socket and Recessed Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall-wash lighting devices suffer from non-uniform illumination patterns and an obtrusive appearance due to the directional nature of LEDs, and they often require complex power delivery solutions and limited remote control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A wall-mountable luminaire with a multi-standard socket and removable adapter plugs for diverse power input, combined with a power supply that converts AC to DC, and a communication network for remote operation, along with a heat sink and optic for uniform light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If physically larger components are used to achieve broader and more uniform illumination patterns using LEDs, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the device becomes obtrusive and aesthetically unappealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination uniformityVSAvoiddevice profile
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the light engine is positioned within a recessed cavity in the mounting surface, allowing the illumination components to be housed inside the wall or surface rather than protruding outward. This nesting approach enables uniform illumination while maintaining a sleek, low-profile exterior that is aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If electrical wire is extended behind the wall to a mounting point, then power supply is achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a power adapter as an intermediary device that plugs into existing wall electrical outlets to provide power to the luminaire. This eliminates the need for complex wire extension and behind-wall routing, simplifying installation while maintaining reliable power supply through a straightforward plug-and-play connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the luminaire is designed to support multiple power supply types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply compatibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal power adapter design that can accept multiple power supply types including AC voltage inputs and DC battery inputs through a single integrated adapter unit. This multi-functional approach enables the luminaire to operate across diverse power sources without requiring separate adapters or complex switching mechanisms, achieving versatility while controlling complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution provides a uniform and aesthetically pleasing illumination pattern, supports various power types, and enables remote control, enhancing installation ease and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The power supply may detect an input AC voltage and to convert the input AC voltage to an output DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage conversion and regulation:

Implementation Method 2

The wall-mountable luminaire may include a heat sink and a plurality of light-emitting elements, at least one of which may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

at least one of which may comprise a light-emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9006987B2Wall-mountable luminaire and associated systems and methods
Publication Date: 2015.04.14 LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORP
  • US9006987B2 patent drawing
  • US9006987B2 patent drawing
  • US9006987B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wall-mountable luminaire may include interchangeable adapter plugs having first and second male connectors, the first of which connects electrically and mechanically to an external electrical socket, and the second of which connects electrically and mechanically to an on-board multi-standard socket. A power supply may detect a plurality of electrical power types received from the multi-standard socket, and may condition that input power to drive LEDs. Remote computing devices may transmit control data wirelessly to direct a controller to selectively operate the LEDs to form a modified distribution pattern. A housing assembly may support wall mounting of the luminaire, and trim assembly may define a cavity that provides aesthetic and protective cover for the components carried by the housing assembly. A method aspect of the invention details steps for operating the luminaire.