Smart lamp socket

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety device for an electric lamp socket based on mechanical interruption of electric current, which interruption is associated with mechanical movement of a lamp-holding part. The device comprises a fixed upper part comprising a housing for electrical electrodes and a movable lower part equipped with guided electrodes and mechanical guides, cavities of the upper part serving as housings for the guides so as to ensure precise guidance of the electrodes during the movement, while facilitating guidance of the mechanical wires associated with the movable part so as to regulate the movement and control the electrical interruption when necessary. The device also comprises a system for detecting the state of the lamp based on measurement of its electrical characteristics, making it possible to automatically decide to isolate the lamp and lower the lamp-holding part in the event of failure. The lower part further comprises a mechanical mechanism for releasing the lamp or its debris, without rotation or use of external tools. The movement of the movable part can be controlled when necessary, the mechanical interruption of the current remaining independent of the other control means.

Description

[0001] Smart lamp socket

[0002] Technical field to which the invention relates

[0003] The invention lies in the field of electricity and intelligent lighting systems. It concerns a smart lamp socket offering remote control and incorporating innovative features to improve safety and ease of use.

[0004] This device was designed to simplify light bulb replacement by eliminating the risks associated with manual handling, such as electric shocks and falls. Thanks to the integration of advanced electronic components, including an embedded development board, a stepper motor, and a system for ejecting defective bulbs, this socket represents a major advancement in the automation of lighting installations.

[0005] It is suitable for both domestic and professional use, offering an efficient solution for environments requiring regular lighting maintenance, such as public buildings, offices, and commercial spaces. Its optimized design and integrated technology allow for simplified installation and operation, making it accessible to everyone, even users without advanced technical skills.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] Lamp sockets are essential components for securing light bulbs and have been improved over time to make them easier to use. Currently, they come in various shapes, materials, and technologies, notably offering the ability to turn a bulb on and off remotely using connected devices.

[0008] However, they remain dangerous for users when it comes to replacing a faulty bulb or removing debris from a broken bulb, a task that can lead to risks of injury or electrocution if performed incorrectly.

[0009] Most current models are made of plastic and consist of three parts: a top cover, an internal module connecting the electrodes, and a base into which the bulb is inserted. While these models offer some convenience, their design has not evolved to address safety concerns related to handling light bulbs. This design remains difficult for an untrained person to operate, with risks of electric shock or falls when installing or removing bulbs, especially in dimly lit or hard-to-reach environments. Furthermore, the lack of automated mechanisms makes the replacement process lengthy and sometimes dangerous.

[0010] Purpose of the invention

[0011] One of the main obstacles when replacing a light bulb is the need to find a stable support to stand on. This exposes the user to a risk of falling or electrocution. The aim of this invention is to eliminate these risks by facilitating automatic bulb replacement using an integrated electronic circuit. This device can detect a faulty bulb, automatically lower the base to isolate the bulb from the electrical circuit, and eject the debris without any manual effort. Furthermore, it allows for remote control, regardless of the type of bulb used.

[0012] List of figures

[0013] The invention will be better understood with the help of the following diagrams, which illustrate several models of the device as well as its operating principle:

[0014] - Figure A: Descriptive diagram of the smart lamp socket.

[0015] - Figure B: Diagram of the upper components of the socket.

[0016] Presentation of the invention and method of implementation

[0017] The invention is based on a lamp socket equipped with an electronic development board and a stepper motor, facilitating bulb replacement thanks to an optimized design. The socket consists of two parts:

[0018] Upper Part

[0019] This section includes:

[0020] - A connector (02) connected to the power source.

[0021] - An Arduino development board (14), integrating an IR receiver (VS1838B) (15), a current sensor (ACS 712) (16), and a stepper motor (10).

[0022] - A pulley (11) with two wires (09) attached to the lower part of the socket.

[0023] - A 5V AC / DC transformer (17) powered by a voltage of 220V.

[0024] Lower Part

[0025] This section consists of:

[0026] - A plastic base (03) held by two wires (09) guided by rails (08) to ensure alignment with the upper part.

[0027] - Two metal terminals ensuring the electrical connection between the bulb and the socket. - A side button (04) allowing the opening of two panels (05) to expel bulb debris.

[0028] All of these components ensure easy and safe maintenance of the bulbs.

[0029] Implementation and Operation

[0030] The invention can be implemented in several ways:

[0031] - Power supply: The Arduino board (14) can be powered by a 5V rechargeable battery or via a 5V AC / DC transformer connected to a 220V source.

[0032] - Remote control: The user can control the socket remotely using an IR receiver (**VS1838B**), a Bluetooth module or a Wifi module, allowing the bulb to be turned on / off and the base to be lowered / raised.

[0033] - Electronic assembly:

[0034] - The AC / DC transformer converts 220V to 5V to power the Arduino.

[0035] - The current sensor measures the power consumption of the light bulb.

[0036] - The stepper motor allows the movement of the lower base.

[0037] - A custom PCB can replace the Arduino for a miniaturized version of the device.

Claims

Demands 1. Semi-automatic smart lamp socket, including: • a fixed upper part intended to be connected to an electrical power source, comprising a housing for fixed electrical electrodes, as well as a control unit including a motor; • a lower movable lamp-holding part, equipped with integrated electrical electrodes, mechanically connected to the upper part by mechanical wires, a pulley and mechanical guide guides; where the upward and downward movement of the lower part is controlled by the motor and the pulley, and where the mechanical wires are guided through cavities in the upper part to receive the guide wires associated with the lower part, said guides and cavities impose a precise and predetermined mechanical alignment of the lower part relative to the upper part during ascent, The socket being characterized in that: • the electrical connection between the electrodes of the lower part and the electrode housing of the upper part is only made when the lower part reaches the upper final position defined by a mechanical stop; • any downward movement is sufficient to extract the electrical electrodes from their housing, resulting in a complete mechanical interruption of the electrical current to the lower part; so that the electrical current cannot be supplied to the lower part in any position other than said determined final mechanical position, regardless of the state of the control system or the orders given, the electrical connection remaining conditioned exclusively by the complete mechanical alignment resulting from the mechanical movement of the lower part.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical interruption of the electric current results exclusively from the relative movement between the upper and lower parts, without the use of electrical switches or relays, and ensures the withdrawal of the electrical electrodes during descent.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the guides of the lower part are designed to penetrate the cavities of the upper part in order to ensure precise mechanical guidance during ascent and descent.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the ends of the mechanical wires are connected to the heads of the guides, said guides and wires cooperating to: • lower and raise the lower part; • ensure precise mechanical alignment of the lower part with respect to the upper part; • ensure the correct reinsertion of the electrical electrodes after the ascent.

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the cavities of the upper part fulfill a dual function: • guide the mechanical wires during movement; • receive the guides to ensure the stability of the lower part and to prevent any deviation during the ascent or descent.

6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the lower part remains totally electrically isolated throughout the entire duration of the ascent or descent, the current being restored only after the completion of the mechanical alignment and the reinsertion of the electrodes into their exact positions.

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the lower part comprises an integrated mechanical means for releasing the lamp or its debris from the housing.

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