Individually-Addressable Light Control Relay for Pool Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllers for low voltage devices, such as pool and spa lighting, lack the ability to control each switch individually, both wired and wirelessly, and are insufficiently feature-rich to communicate with newer remote controls or web-enabled devices, limiting their functionality and compatibility with internet control systems.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that integrates a device with a transformer box, using a wireless dongle to control LED lights and low voltage sub-components with a directly-addressable switching unit, enabling individual control of lights or groups of lights, and incorporating individually-addressable relays for power monitoring and scheduling, which can be retrofitted into existing enclosures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional controllers with simple ON/OFF switching are used, then basic lighting control is achieved, but individual control of each light or group of lights is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The controller divides the lighting system into multiple independently controllable segments or channels, where each channel can be individually addressed and controlled. This allows specific lights or groups of lights to be controlled separately through distinct control channels, enabling granular control without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary addressing system that acts as a mediator between the control signal and individual lights. This addressing mechanism enables the controller to identify and communicate with specific light channels, facilitating individual control while maintaining a unified controller structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing controllers are used, then basic switching function is provided, but wireless and internet control capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, integrating multiple control modes (wired and wireless), multiple communication protocols, and internet connectivity capabilities into a single device. This universal design allows the same controller to perform basic switching functions while also supporting advanced wireless control and network integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (basic switching, wireless control, and internet connectivity) into a single integrated controller unit. By merging these functionalities, the system achieves enhanced adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby managing complexity through consolidation.
3Ease of operation
If manual ON/OFF toggling is used for control, then simple operation is maintained, but precise control of lighting modes and effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide information about the current state of lighting channels, enabling precise control and monitoring. This feedback allows the system to accurately manage lighting modes, effects, and transitions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism transitions from static ON/OFF toggling to dynamic control, where lighting parameters can be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic capability enables precise control of lighting modes, intensity, and effects while the system adapts to different operational requirements through programmable control sequences.
4Ease of operation
If separate controller devices are used for each low voltage equipment, then individual control is possible, but system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate controller devices for each piece of equipment, the patent segments the control functionality into multiple independent control channels within a single controller. This approach maintains the ability to individually control each light or equipment while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate controller devices and their associated wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions for different low voltage equipments into a single unified controller device. By combining these functions, the system achieves individual control capability for each equipment while reducing the total number of controller devices and simplifying the overall system architecture and wiring requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides advanced control capabilities, including wireless and wired remote control, power interruption mechanisms, and internet connectivity, allowing for precise control of lighting modes and power management, enhancing the functionality of existing systems while reducing the need for new wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer electrically coupled to the power input for converting the power input from a high-voltage alternating current (AC) input on a first side of the transformer circuitry to a low-voltage source on a second side
Data Source
AI summary
An improved controller used in connection with pool area and surrounding landscaping low voltage lighting and related low voltage subcomponents, such as lighting, fountains, waterfalls, deck jets, and music or related entertainment devices, incorporates an independently-addressable light control relay, or analogous electronic component, and is implementable as a retrofit replacement for existing controller systems or, alternatively, as a complete new unit for controlling low voltage subcomponents.