Adjustable Lighting System Using Switch-Based PWM Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light control systems for bulbs are limited by requiring special fixtures, complex installations, and multiple control devices, making it difficult to adjust brightness and color temperature uniformly across large areas without overwhelming consumers with technology.
Innovation Solution
A light bulb that uses continuous wave modulation to enable dimming and color temperature adjustments through simple On/Off transitions at existing switches, allowing control from multiple locations without additional wiring or complex setups, utilizing PWM and microcontroller-based systems for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic dimmers are used to control brightness, then remote control capability is provided, but installation complexity increases and requires professional installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dimming control functionality from the central dimmer device and relocates it to individual light bulbs. Each bulb contains its own dimming control circuitry, eliminating the need for complex centralized dimmer installation while maintaining remote control capability through existing switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The light bulbs perform self-service by containing their own dimming control circuits internally. This allows each bulb to independently respond to switch signals without requiring external dimmer devices, simplifying installation while maintaining operational functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialty adjustable color temperature bulbs are used, then color temperature adjustment is enabled, but power output decreases for the same bulb size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light emitting elements with different color temperatures (warm white and cool white LEDs) within a single bulb. By combining these elements and using PWM control to adjust their relative intensities, the system achieves full color temperature adjustment while maintaining high power output from either element type.
3Extent of automation
If hard-wired light dimmers are used to control large numbers of bulbs, then centralized control is provided, but capacity is limited to typically 300-500 watts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function by distributing dimming control circuitry to each individual bulb rather than using a single centralized dimmer. This allows each bulb to be controlled independently while still responding to the same switch signals, enabling control of large numbers of bulbs (exceeding 500 watts total) without capacity limitations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices (light switch and RF remote) are used, then control flexibility is improved, but user complexity increases and devices may be misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing light switch universal by programming it to serve multiple functions: it acts as both an on/off switch and a dimming control device. By detecting the duration of switch activation, the system determines whether to turn lights on/off or adjust brightness, eliminating the need for separate remote controls while maintaining control flexibility.
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
Enables intuitive, multi-location control of large numbers of bulbs with decentralized heat dissipation, providing reliable and user-friendly dimming and color temperature adjustments within existing lighting infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The microcontroller is programmed to provide pulse width modulation to the warm white and cool white light emitting elements
Implementation Method 2
The bulb contains both Warm White and Cool White light emitting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A light bulb or fixture design is presented which provides adjustability of color temperature, adjustability of brightness, and multiple location remote control in a scalable way that is thus ideal for retrofit installations, not requiring any rewiring, installation, or setup, other than insertion of light bulbs. Rather than using any Wifi, hand held remotes, or other RF communication links, operation is controlled using only the switch or switches that are part of the existing wiring. Operation is intuitive. It allows for unified dimming and/or color temperature control of extremely large numbers of bulbs of the invention without regard for heat dissipation limitations at the physical locations of control.