AC Load Control via Unique Signal Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems for AC signals lack the ability to dynamically and efficiently modify load characteristics on a cycle-by-cycle basis in response to user-selectable settings, such as lighting intensity or color, without requiring complex manual adjustments or slow response times.
Innovation Solution
A load control system that modifies an AC signal with a unique AC signature associated with user-selectable load characteristics, using a controller and decoder to encode and decode signals, allowing for real-time changes in load characteristics like LED lighting intensity or color, implemented through a control panel and load circuit with a microcontroller and TRIAC switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing load control systems are used, then load control is available, but the response time is slow and manual adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments with electronic AC signal encoding. The controller modifies AC signal parameters (rms voltage, frequency, phase) to encode load characteristic commands, eliminating the need for manual knob adjustments or mechanical switches. The decoder in the load circuit automatically decodes these signals and adjusts load characteristics electronically, achieving both fast response and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control system operates autonomously by having the controller continuously monitor user interactions and automatically generate encoded AC signals. The decoder in the load circuit self-adjusts load characteristics based on decoded signals without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates slow manual adjustments while maintaining ease of use through automatic response to user inputs.
2Speed
If load characteristics are controlled manually, then control is possible, but the adjustment speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic AC signal cycles as the basis for encoding load control commands. By modifying AC signal parameters (rms voltage, frequency, phase) on a cycle-by-cycle basis, the system achieves rapid adjustment speeds synchronized with the AC waveform. This periodic encoding approach enables fast load characteristic changes while using simple, well-understood AC signal modifications rather than complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller achieves load control by changing AC signal parameters (rms voltage, frequency, phase) rather than using complex mechanical or electronic control mechanisms. Each parameter change encodes specific load characteristic commands that the decoder interprets and executes. This parameter-based control approach enables rapid adjustment speeds while maintaining relatively simple device architecture based on standard AC signal processing.
3Measurement precision
If AC signal parameters are modified, then load control precision is improved, but signal encoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses AC signal parameters (rms voltage, frequency, phase) for multiple functions: power delivery to the load and encoding of load control commands. By making the AC signal multi-functional, the system achieves precise load control without adding separate complex encoding infrastructure. The decoder in the load circuit extracts control information from these same AC parameters, maintaining signal encoding simplicity while enabling precise control through parameter modulation.
4Ease of operation
If real-time load control is implemented, then user experience is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function and control signaling function into a single AC signal pathway. The controller modifies AC signal parameters to encode commands, and the decoder in the load circuit extracts these commands from the same AC signal that powers the load. This merging eliminates the need for separate control wiring and reduces system architecture complexity while enabling real-time load control that enhances user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system includes a controller that modifies an alternating current (AC) signal at a controller input to provide, on a cycle-by-cycle basis, an encoded AC signal that exhibits a unique AC signature at a controller output. The unique AC signature is associated with a particular user-selectable load characteristic. The load control system also includes a load circuit that receives the encoded AC signal. The load circuit includes a decoder that decodes the encoded AC signal to determine the unique AC signature of the encoded AC signal. In response to determining the unique AC signature of the encoded AC signal, the load circuit changes a load characteristic of the load circuit to exhibit the particular user-selectable load characteristic associated with the unique AC signature.