Modular Watertight Path Lighting Connectors for Long Low-Voltage Runs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor low-voltage lighting systems require substantial time and effort for installation and customization, and they often suffer from voltage drop issues, especially in long lighting runs, making it unsafe and inefficient for non-licensed individuals to install or modify them.
Innovation Solution
The No Splice Connection (NSC) lighting system, which allows for quick and easy installation and modification by non-licensed individuals, uses plug-in, screw-tight, water-sealed connections with 12-gauge or 16-gauge leads, jumper cables, T-connectors, X-connectors, and reducers to eliminate voltage drop and facilitate configuration without the need for wire strippers or specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional high quality outdoor lighting systems are used, then lighting quality is improved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular fixtures that can be independently installed and connected. Each fixture contains pre-terminated wiring with connection elements, allowing installers to simply connect modules together without complex wire stripping or terminal work, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining high lighting quality
Solution Approach 2:
All electrical connections, wire stripping, and terminal preparations are performed during manufacturing before the fixtures reach the installation site. The pre-attached connection elements are designed to interface directly with matching connectors on adjacent fixtures, eliminating time-consuming on-site electrical work while preserving high-quality lighting performance
2Area of stationary object
If more lights are added to a lighting run, then lighting coverage is improved, but installation complexity increases due to more connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular fixtures where each unit has standardized connection interfaces. This allows unlimited expansion of lighting coverage by simply adding more modules in series or parallel configurations, with each connection being as simple as plugging in a connector, thereby maintaining low installation complexity regardless of system size
Solution Approach 2:
All fixtures use universal connection interfaces that work the same way regardless of fixture type or position in the circuit. The standardized connectors and wiring configurations allow any fixture to be connected to any other fixture or to power sources, enabling easy system expansion without requiring different connection methods for different scenarios
3Reliability
If low-voltage DC lighting systems are used, then safety for non-licensed installation is improved, but voltage drop becomes a problem in long runs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses 12-gauge wiring specifically for long lighting runs where voltage drop is a concern, while shorter runs can use standard 16-gauge wiring. This localized adaptation of wire gauge to the specific run length and load requirements optimizes voltage delivery without compromising the overall safety and simplicity of low-voltage DC operation for non-licensed installers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as T-connectors, X-connectors, and reducers that facilitate proper wire gauge transitions and circuit configurations. These intermediaries allow the system to accommodate both 12-gauge and 16-gauge wiring in the same installation, enabling voltage drop compensation in long runs while maintaining ease of installation throughout the entire system
4Adaptability or versatility
If customizable lighting configurations are enabled, then adaptability is improved, but installation time increases due to customization work
Solution Approach 1:
The modular fixture design with standardized connectors enables unlimited customization of lighting configurations by simply adding, removing, or rearranging pre-fabricated modules. Installers can create any desired layout without custom wiring, as the segmented modules with universal interfaces allow flexible reconfiguration through simple plug-and-play connections, eliminating time-consuming customization work
Solution Approach 2:
All customization decisions are effectively made during the manufacturing phase, where fixtures are produced with pre-configured wiring and connection elements. This preliminary preparation of various connector types and wire configurations allows the system to be adapted to different installation scenarios without requiring time-consuming on-site customization, as the pre-prepared modules can be directly installed in various configurations
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor lighting system has a low-voltage power supply connected to an A/C power source, an electrical power lead electrically connected to the power supply and having a second end with a modular electrical connector of a second type, an electrical extension cable with a modular electrical connector of the first type and a modular electrical connector of the second type, a branch connector with a base stem having a modular electrical connector of the first type and with a plurality of branch stems each having a modular electrical connector of the second type, and a light fixture having a modular electrical connector of the first type. Each modular connector of the first type being adapted to connect to any modular connector of the second type in a toolless manner to form a water-tight, submersible junction, and the lighting components can assemble toollessly in a large plurality of configurations.