Modular Wireless Baffle for Light Fixture Antenna Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of dual-band antennas for WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities in light fixtures, especially within metallic ceilings, poses challenges due to interference and connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a modular wireless module system, where a wireless printed circuit board assembly is coupled to either a baffle or the housing of the light fixture, allowing for various wireless protocols to be easily added or changed, including positioning antennas on baffles or within compartments to optimize signal reception and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are integrated into light fixtures for wireless communication, then wireless connectivity capability is improved, but signal reception and transmission quality deteriorates due to interference from metallic structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light fixture into separate functional modules: a non-metallic housing module containing the antenna and wireless circuitry, and a separate metallic baffle module for light distribution. This segmentation isolates the antenna from metallic interference while maintaining wireless functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-metallic housing as an intermediary structure that holds the antenna and wireless components, separating them from the metallic baffle that causes interference. This intermediary protects the sensitive wireless components from the harmful metallic environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless protocols are integrated into light fixtures, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal wireless module with a standardized interface that can support multiple wireless protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.). This single modular unit can be configured with different wireless capabilities, eliminating the need for separate fixtures for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wireless protocol capability dynamic and reconfigurable through modular design. Different wireless modules can be swapped or configured within the same fixture housing, allowing the system to adapt its wireless capabilities based on requirements without redesigning the entire fixture.
3Reliability
If separate products are created for each wireless protocol configuration, then protocol-specific optimization is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the product into a common housing platform and separate protocol-specific wireless modules. This allows mass production of the standardized housing while maintaining the ability to produce optimized wireless modules for different protocols, combining efficiency with specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent produces more wireless module variants than strictly necessary, allowing customers to choose from pre-configured options. This excessive production of module variants simplifies the manufacturing process by using standardized assembly lines while still providing protocol-specific optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes a housing containing a light engine, and a wireless baffle module. The wireless baffle module includes a baffle coupled to the housing and used for focusing light emitted from the light engine. The wireless baffle module further includes a wireless printed circuit board assembly coupled to an antenna. The wireless printed circuit board assembly receives and processes wireless signals from the antenna, and sends control signals to the light engine based on the wireless signals. The wireless baffle module may be coupled to a lighting system with an existing non-wireless module, or be used to replace a wireless baffle module with the same or different wireless protocol.