Universal power control device

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an intelligent dimmer that is capable of “learning” the type of load it is controlling, and adjusts its operating parameters accordingly. The present invention can adaptively drive electrical loads over a wide range of wattages. The intelligent dimmer of the present invention is configured to automatically calibrate itself based on the load current demands of a particular electrical load. The intelligent dimmer of the present invention can also adaptively limit in-rush currents to extend the life expectancy of the solid state switching components used therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 936,086 filed on Nov. 9, 2015, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 is hereby claimed, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 792,566, filed on Mar. 11, 2013, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 is hereby claimed; this application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 635,600 filed on Apr. 19, 2012, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) is hereby claimed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to electrical wiring devices, and particularly to power control wiring...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an intelligent dimmer that can be used in any structure being retrofitted or remodeled. It can be installed in existing wiring or at a three-way switch location. The intelligent dimmer can recognize the type of load it is controlling and adjust the drive signal to match its operating parameters. It can adaptively drive electrical loads over a wide range of wattages. The intelligent dimmer also automatically calibrates itself based on the load current demands of a particular electrical load. Additionally, it adaptively limits in-rush currents to extend the life expectancy of the solid state switching components used therein.

Problems solved by technology

One obvious drawback to using simple ON / OFF switches to control these devices is experienced by the homeowner when he pays the electrical bill—a given light (or fan) is either ON or OFF—a simple switch is thus unable to vary the amount of light (and hence control the amount of power consumed).

One of the drawbacks associated with older conventional power control devices relates to the fact that many of these devices were often installed without a neutral wire being routed into the device box.

Unfortunately, this may lead to difficulties when a structure or space is being retrofitted, since certain conventional dimmers may only be installed at one of the three way switch locations.

In light of the pressures of supply and demand, the cost of energy resources will only increase.

One of the drawbacks of conventional dimmer devices relates to the fact that incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, MLV lighting, ELV lighting, CFL devices and LED lighting may have different electrical operating characteristics.

Moreover, the life expectancy of the both the dimmer and the load may be adversely affected if the dimmer and the load are not properly matched.

When a user installs a light source (load) that is not matched to the corresponding dimmer, the light will not operate properly and the user will either have to change the light source or the dimmer to rectify the situation.

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