WO2015011693A2

WO2015011693A2 - Modular light fixture

Info

Publication number: WO2015011693A2
Application number: PCT/IB2014/063488
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eihab Baqui; Sarathkumar KUMARAIAH
Original assignee: Eihab Baqui; Kumaraiah Sarathkumar
Priority date: 2013-07-26
Filing date: 2014-07-28
Publication date: 2015-01-29
Also published as: WO2015011693A3

Abstract

A light module has a light source, a housing at least partly surrounding the light source, and a plurality of power connectors connected to the light source and adapted to connect to at least one of a power base and a second light module disposed outside the housing. A modular light fixture has a light module and a power base adapted to connect to a power source. The power base includes at least one connector adapted to connect to at least one of the plurality of power connectors of the light module.

Description

MODULAR LIGHT FIXTURE

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 61/859,019 filed on July 26, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present technology relates to light fixtures.

BACKGROUND [0003] Light fixtures can be portable such as desk lamps or floor lamps, or integrated with other structures such as a ceiling light fixture. It is often desirable to change the amount or kind of illumination, for example, according to a user's preference or for different uses. For example, if one wants to have additional light in a room than can be provided by the installed ceiling light fixture, one has to replace the light source with a different light source that provides greater illumination, or to add additional light fixtures. Replacing a light fixture or installing additional light fixtures involves a certain amount of inconvenience, especially if the number of power outlets available is limited. The current light fixture has to be removed, potentially requiring specific tools and effort, and the new one(s) connected to the power supply. Using larger and/or additional light fixtures requires additional space as well as additional connections to an appropriate power source. Portable light fixtures such as desk lamps may be installed and removed relatively easily compared to permanently fixed ones, it can still be inconvenient. Removing, or installing permanent light fixtures, such as wall or ceiling mounted light fixtures, requires considerably more effort and cost, and thus cannot be performed as readily as substituting a desk lamp with another.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for an illumination system and method that can be easily adapted to provide different kinds and amounts of illumination. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[0006] In one aspect, a light module includes a light source, a housing at least partly surrounding the light source. A plurality of power connectors connected to the light source are adapted to connect to at least one of a power base and a second light module disposed outside the housing.

[0007] In another aspect, the plurality of power connectors includes at least one of: a magnetic connector, a mechanical non-magnetic connector, a wireless connector.

[0008] In another aspect, at least one of the plurality of power connectors is a magnetic connector. The magnetic connector includes a magnet rotatably attached to the housing, the magnet being adapted to magnetically align with a second magnet of a second magnetic connector of another light module when in proximity thereto. The magnet is electrically conductive so as to electrically connect to the second magnet of the second magnetic connector when in contact therewith.

[0009] In another aspect, a battery connected to the light source is included.

[0010] In a further aspect, the battery is selectively connected to the light source. The light module further includes an intelligent power management circuit adapted to connect the battery to the light source when an external power source is disconnected therefrom.

[0011] In an additional aspect, the housing has a platonic solid shape.

[0012] In yet another aspect, a control unit is adapted to communicate with a mobile device for remotely controlling the light module. [0013] In a further aspect, the light source is an adjustable light source such that a light intensity of the light emitted by the light source is adjustable. [0014] In an additional aspect, the light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of different colors. The light module further includes a control unit for controlling color mixing of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs.

[0015] In another aspect, a sensor is connected to the light source for controlling light emitted by the light source.

[0016] In another aspect, the sensor senses ambient light, the sensor being connected to the light source for controlling light emitted by the light source.

[0017] In another aspect, a visual display device and/or an audio output device is also included. [0018] In another aspect, the housing comprises a plurality of sides, each side having at least one power connector, the light module further comprising an intelligent power management circuit adapted to disconnect the at least one power source connector unless the power base or a power connector of a second light module is connected thereto. [0019] In a further aspect, the housing is made of diffusive material. In yet another aspect, a modular light fixture has a light module according to any one of the above aspects and a power base adapted to connect to a power source and comprising at least one connector adapted to connect to at least one of the plurality of power connectors of the light module. [0020] In a further aspect, the power base includes a mounting bracket for mounting the power base to at least one of a horizontal or a vertical surface.

[0021] In an additional aspect, the power base includes an internal power source.

[0022] In another aspect, the light module includes a plurality of light modules, each of the plurality of light modules being adapted to connect to at least one of: at least one other of the plurality of light modules and the power base.

[0023] In another aspect, the power base includes a plurality of power bases.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the power source is an external power source. [0025] Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[0026] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0027] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a room showing light fixtures installed on the ceiling and another light fixture installed on the floor; [0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a desk showing the light fixture of

Figure 1 placed thereon;

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a room showing the light fixture of

Figure 1 installed on a wall;

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a light module of the light fixture of Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a power base of the light fixture of

Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view, taken from a top, front, of the interior surface of one side of the light module of Figure 4; [0034] Figure 7 is a close-up perspective view of a magnetic connector of the light module of Figure 4; [0035] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the base of Figure 5 with front surfaces being removed to show an interior thereof;

[0036] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the light module of Figure

4; [0037] Figure 10A is a partially exploded perspective view of portions of two of the light modules of Figure 4 before being connected to each other;

[0038] Figure 10B is a partially exploded perspective view of portions of two of the light modules of Figure 4 shown connected to each other;

[0039] Figure 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of portions of two light modules according to another embodiment, the light modules having mechanical non-magnetic power connectors and shown in a configuration before being connected to each other;

[0040] Figure 12A is a partially exploded perspective view of portions of two light modules according to another embodiment, the light modules having wire connectors connected to each other;

[0041] Figure 12B perspective view of four light modules connected to each other by wire connectors;

[0042] Figure 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of portions of two light modules according to another embodiment, the light modules having wireless power receptors and shown in a configuration before being connected to each other;

[0043] Figures 14A to 14G are perspective views of light modules of different shapes and similar to the light module of Figure 4; and

[0044] Figure 15 shows one side of a light module illustrating an internal connection of a magnetic connector thereof; and [0045] Figure 16 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a light module including an audio output device and a visual display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a modular light fixture 1 includes at least one light module 10 and at least one power base 20 for powering the light modules 10. [0047] With reference to Figure 4, the light module 10 has a dodecahedronal shaped housing 11. Each of the twelve sides 12 of the housing 11 has a pentagonal shape. The light module 10 emits light from all the sides 12. The light is emitted by a light source 16 in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) (Figure 9) placed inside the light module 10. It is contemplated that the light source 16 could be other than an LED. It is also contemplated that the light source 16 could be a plurality of LEDs placed inside the light module 10. It is further contemplated that the plurality of LEDs 16 include LEDs emitting light of different colors. The sides 12 of the light module 10 are made of an optically diffusive material that allows uniform light distribution. Two connectors 14 are provided on each of the sides 12. It is contemplated that each side 12 could have a single connector 14 or more than two connectors 14. It is also contemplated that the number or configuration of connectors 14 could be different on the different sides 12. It is contemplated that the light module 10 could have other shapes as shown in Figure 14A to 14G.

[0048] The connectors 14 connect the light module 10 to the power base 20 as shown in Figure 1 to 3 or to other light modules 10 as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 10B. Each side 12 of the light module 10 can be connected to another light module 10. The light module 10 can thereby be simultaneously connected to a plurality of light modules 10. The light module 10 can simultaneously power multiple light modules 10 connected thereto while itself being powered by a power base 20 or another light module 10.

[0049] With reference to Figure 5, the power base 20 has a heptadehedron shaped housing 21 with seven planar sides 22. An upper side 22 has two connectors 14 that are similar to the connectors 14 of the light module 10. It is contemplated that the side 22 could have a single connector 14 or more than two connectors 14. It is contemplated that the power base 20 could have a shape other than as shown. Although only one of the sides 22 is shown having connectors 14, it is contemplated that more than one side 22 of the base 20 could have connectors 14. Thus, the power base 20 could be directly connected to multiple light modules 10.

[0050] The rear side 22 of the power base 20 has an AC jack receptor 26, for connecting to the AC line voltage either directly or indirectly via a power adapter 28. The power base 20 could be connected to the AC line via a wired connection 27 that is a pre-installed wired connection (i.e. a connection that cannot be disconnected from the base) or a detachable wired connection, such as that shown in Figure 5. It is contemplated that the power base 20 could be connected to the AC line voltage by other means, such as a wireless connection. It is also contemplated that the power base 20 could be powered by an internal power source 29, such as a battery 29a or a solar cell 29b (Figure 8).

[0051] The power base 20 has an ON/OFF switch 24 for turning the light module ON/OFF. The power base 20 could also have a dimmer switch. Switches for performing other lighting effects, such as changing the light color of the light emitted by the light module(s) 10 connected thereto could also be provided on the power base 20.

[0052] The side 22 of the power base 10 opposite to the side 22 having the connector 14 has attached thereto a mounting bracket 6 (seen in Figure 2) with an aperture for receiving a hook (not shown) by which it can be fastened to a surface. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power base 20 can be placed atop a horizontally disposed surface, such as a floor or desk, such that the side 22 having the connectors 14 is facing upwardly. The power base 20 can also be installed on a horizontal surface such as a ceiling such that the side 22 having the connectors 22 is facing downwardly, or on a vertical surface, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, such that the side 22 having the connectors 14 is facing laterally. It is contemplated that the power base 20 could be mounted by other means such as suspension cables, junction boxes, mounting clips, holders and the like. The power base 20 could be mounted on surfaces disposed at an angle to the vertical and horizontal. It is contemplated that the power base 10 could also be configured so that it can be mounted on curved or non- planar surfaces. For example, one of the sides 22 could be curved instead of planar. [0053] With reference to Figure 6 and 7, the connectors 14 are magnetic connectors. Each magnetic connector 14 comprises a freely rotatable magnet 30, with a portion of the magnet 30 projecting out of an opening 34 in the side 12. The magnet 30 shown in the illustrated embodiment is spherical and electrically conductive. The magnet 30 is mounted to the interior surface of the side 12 by legs 32 formed on the interior surface surrounding the opening 34. A printed circuit board (PCB) wire 36 is attached on the inside surface of the side 12 surrounding the opening 34. The legs 32 retain the magnet 30 rotatably such that the magnet 30 remains in contact with the PCB wire 36 surrounding the opening 34 and a portion of the magnet 30 projects out of the opening 34. The magnet 30 thus connects the wire 36 with the wire 36 of another magnetic connector 14 when the respective magnets 30 are placed in contact with each other. In the illustrated implementation, the magnet 30 is a permanent magnet. However it is contemplated that the magnetic connector 14 could have a magnetic component other than the permanent magnet 30, the magnetic component having magnetic properties, such as a ferrous material, and the like.

[0054] Figure 15 shows another embodiment of a light module 10 where the

PCB wire 36 has a magnetic tip 36a which enables physical and electrical contact with the magnet 30 of the connector 14. The magnetic tip 36a could be formed by a magnetic component that has magnetic properties, for example, the magnetic component could be a permanent magnet, a ferromagnet, an electromagnet, and the like.

[0055] This feature of freely rotating electrically conductive magnets 30 allows the light module 10 to be connected to a base 20 or to another light module 10 having a similar arrangement of magnetic connectors 14 regardless of the shape of the module 10 or base 20. When two light modules 10 are in close proximity, the freely rotating magnets 30 of the proximal sides of first and second light module 10 rotate to align themselves such that the magnet portions 30 projecting out of the opening 34 are opposite poles. The magnetic connectors 14 thus enable mechanical and electrical contact between two light modules 10 as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. It is contemplated that the magnets 30 could have other shapes that allow the magnets 30 to align themselves for making contact with a magnet 30 of an adjacent light module 10. The magnet shapes could be platonic or non-platonic. [0056] With reference to Figure 9, the light module 10 houses an LED module

40 comprising two LEDs 16 mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 42. An LED 16 is mounted on each side of the PCB 42. It is contemplated that the LED module 40 could have one or more than two LEDs 16 mounted in configurations other than as shown. For example, a light module 10 could be provided with four LEDs 16 mounted on the four faces of a pyramidal structure housing the PCB 42.

[0057] The PCB circuitry is adapted to accept DC input voltage and drive the

LEDs 16 at a designated current and voltage. The current can either be preset at a constant level or can be adjustable. The PCB 42 includes intelligent power management circuitry 44 that maintains the current and voltage through the LED 16 at an optimum level for obtaining the desired illumination level. This enables the LED 16 to be powered by an external power supply having a wide range of current and voltage parameters. The current can be controlled via controls provided on the power base 20 connected to the light module 10. The power base 20 could be provided with controls such as physical buttons, dials, a touch interface and the like for controlling the current. The current could also be controlled remotely by a computer or a mobile communication device such as a smartphone.

[0058] The intelligent power management circuitry 44 also enables current to flow only from the side 12 that is connected to another light module 10 or a power base 20. This prevents short-circuiting when connectors of one of the sides 12 which are not connected to a powerbase 20 or another light module 10 are shorted by accidental positioning of a metal or conducting solid across the exposed connectors 14. The intelligent power management circuitry 44 thus comprises appropriate sensors 46, for example a magnetic sensor, to distinguish between a complementary connector 14 from another conducting element that is not a complementary connector 14. The intelligent power management circuitry 44 includes a control unit 48 that communicates with the sensors 46 to control the function of the light module 10.

[0059] The LED module 40 connects to the connectors 14 on the inner surface of each side 12 of the light module 10 as shown in Figure 9. This connection is made via flexible extensions 36 of the PCB 42 leading to and making contact with the magnetic connectors 14 (or mechanical non-magnetic connector 14' , wired connector 14" or wireless power receptors 14" ' as will be discussed below). The connection can also be made by wires. The wires could be fastened to the PCB 42 by soldering, using crimped connectors or by screwing thereto.

[0060] For a circuit having only ON/OFF functionality, the two connectors 14 correspond to a positive terminal and a negative terminal. More or less than two connectors 14 could be provided on each side 12 of a light module 10. For example, the light module 10 could be provided with multiple LEDs 16 emitting different colored lights which can be used for RGB color mixing applications. The light module 10 for color mixing applications could have a control unit capable of communicating with a smartphone or other electronic communication device. Three or more connectors 14 could be provided on each side 12 for operation of such a light module 10, with the third connector 14 being used for communication with the remote control device.

[0061] Other implementations of the light modules will be discussed below with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Components which are similar to those of the light module 10 discussed above will be labeled using the same reference numbers and will not be discussed again in detail.

[0062] With reference to Figure 11, an implementation of the light module 10' has non-magnetic metal connectors 14' . Each side 12 of the light module 10' has two connectors 14', the first being a metal projection 50 and the second being a complementary receptor 52 for the metal projection 50. Thus, two light modules 10' are connected to each other when the metal projection 50 of the first light module 10' is received in the receptor 52 of the second light module 10' and vice versa. Magnets 60 along the edges of each side 12 help to retain the light modules 10 to each other. The light module 10' is also provided with magnets 60 along the edges of each side 12 help to retain the light modules 10' to each other.

[0063] With reference to Figures 12A and 12B, a light module 10" has a cable receptor 14" on each side, the receptor being adapted to receive a cable 62. Two light modules 10" or a light module 10" and a base (not shown) having similar cable receptors 14" can be connected together using cables 62. The sides of the light modules 10" connected together in such a manner are not in mutual contact, and can thus be spatially separated. It is contemplated that the wired connector could be rigid and maintain its shape when deformed so at to enable positioning of the light modules 10" at various desired positions relative to each other and/or to the base 20.

[0064] With reference to Figure 13, a light module 10" ' has wireless power receptors 14" ' on each side 12 for connecting to other similarly equipped light modules 10" ' and/or power bases (not shown). The wireless power transmission could be achieved using direct induction, magnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, and the like. The light module 10" ' is also provided with retaining members 60 to help in retaining the light modules 10' " to each other. In the illustrated implementation, the retaining members 60 are in the form of magnets 60 along the edges of each side 12. It is contemplated that the retaining members 60 could be disposed at a different location on the side 12, other than along the edge as shown in Fig. 13. It is contemplated that the retaining members 60 could be other than magnets, for example, the retaining members 60 could be in the form of pins or tabs on one side 12 received in complementary recesses on the other side 12 for retaining the two sides 12 to each other. Each side 12 could be formed with a combination of pins/tabs as well as recesses, or some sides 12 could have pins/tabs while other sides 12 could have recesses.The disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular kind of power connector and it will be understood that other types of connectors may be used to establish an electrical connection between light modules and/or power bases. It is also contemplated that a light module 10 could have more than one kind of connector described above. It is contemplated that the light module can be connected to the power base 20 by one kind of connector and to other light modules by a different kind of connector.

[0065] The light module 10, 10', 10", 10" ' could also have an internal power source 38 like a battery or a solar panel. The internal battery 38 could be charged when connected to an external power source like an AC voltage line, a solar panel and the like. When disconnected from the external power source, the light module 10, 10' , 10", 10" ' can switch to obtaining power from the internal battery 38, the switching being enabled either by the intelligent electronic power management circuit 44 or a mechanical switching circuit. The internally powered light module 10, 10', 10", 10" ' could power other light modules 10, 10', 10", 10" ' connected thereto. [0066] It is also contemplated that the power base 20 could be omitted and the light modules 10, 10' , 10", 10" ' could be connected to an external power source such as a battery or the AC line voltage either directly or indirectly via a power adapter, a USB port of a computer and the like. [0067] The light modules 10, 10', 10", 10" ' could also be provided with other devices such as speakers, display screens, clocks, sensors and the like. Figure 16 shows a light module 10 in which two of the sides 12 have an audio output device or speaker 72 and one another of the sides 12 is formed by a visual display device or screen 74. The devices could be enabled with wireless communication ability, for example, via Bluetooth communication protocol and the like.

[0068] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 A light module comprising:

a light source;

a housing at least partly surrounding the light source; and

a plurality of power connectors connected to the light source and adapted to connect to at least one of a power base and a second light module disposed outside the housing.

2. The light module of claim 1, wherein the plurality of power connectors comprises at least one of: a magnetic connector, a mechanical non- magnetic connector, a wireless connector.

3. The light module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of power connectors is a magnetic connector, the magnetic connector comprising a magnet rotatably attached to the housing, the magnet being adapted to magnetically align with a second magnet of a second magnetic connector of another light module when in proximity thereto, the magnet being electrically conductive to electrically connect to the second magnet of the second magnetic connector when in contact therewith.

4. The light module of claim 1, further comprising a battery connected to the light source. 5. The light module of claim 4, wherein the battery is selectively connected to the light source, the light module further comprising an intelligent power management circuit adapted to connect the battery to the light source when an external power source is disconnected therefrom.

6. The light module of claim 1, the housing having a platonic solid shape. 7. The light module of claim 1, further comprising a control unit adapted to communicate with a mobile device for remotely controlling the light module.

The light module of claim 1, wherein the light source is an adjustable light such that a light intensity of the light emitted by the light source is adjustable.

9. The light module of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of different colors, the light module further comprising a control unit for controlling color mixing of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs.

10. The light module of claim 1, further comprising a sensor connected to the light source for controlling light emitted by the light source.

11. The light module of claim 10, wherein the sensor senses ambient light, the sensor being connected to the light source for controlling light emitted by the light source.

12. The light module of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a visual display device and an audio output device.

13. The light module of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of sides, each side having at least one power connector, the light module further comprising an intelligent power management circuit adapted to disconnect the at least one power source connector unless the power base or a power connector of a second light module is connected thereto.

14. A modular light fixture, comprising:

a light module according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and

a power base adapted to connect to a power source and comprising at least one connector adapted to connect to at least one of the plurality of power connectors of the light module.

15. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein the power base comprises a mounting bracket for mounting the power base to at least one of a horizontal or a vertical surface.

16. The light fixture of claim 14 wherein the power source is an external power source disposed outside the light fixture.

17. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein the power base comprises the power source, the power source being an internal power source.

18. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein the light module comprises a plurality of light modules, each of the plurality of light modules being adapted to connect to at least one of:

at least one other of the plurality of light modules; and

the power base.

19. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein the power base comprises a plurality of power bases.

20. The light module according to any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the housing is made of diffusive material.