Always-On Lighting With Alternating Power Controllers for Longer Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lighting devices in buildings that operate 24/7 are prone to damage due to prolonged use and environmental factors, leading to reduced service life and inadequate performance.
Innovation Solution
An always-on lighting device with multiple power controllers that alternates the operation of light sources and adjusts modes based on temperature and ambient light intensity to extend service life and enhance energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the lighting device operates continuously for 24 hours, then the building lighting requirement is satisfied, but the service life of the light source is reduced due to prolonged operation and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple light sources (first light source and second light source) with separate power controllers. Each light source operates alternately for predetermined time periods, segmenting the continuous operation burden. This allows the building to maintain 24-hour lighting while each individual light source experiences reduced cumulative operation time, thereby extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic switching between the first and second light sources. Each light source operates for a predetermined time period, then switches to the other light source. This periodic action ensures continuous lighting for the building while allowing each light source to rest periodically, reducing thermal accumulation and extending operational lifespan.
2Reliability
If the lighting device operates in high temperature environment or under strong sunlight, then the lighting function is maintained, but the light source is more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature detection modules that continuously monitor the operating temperature of each light source and power controller. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control module receives feedback and adjusts the switching timing, extending the operation period of the current light source or triggering an earlier switch. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to high-temperature environmental conditions, preventing thermal damage while maintaining lighting reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the lighting device operates during daytime with sufficient ambient light, then energy can be saved by reducing brightness, but the lighting device still consumes power and generates heat
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the brightness of each light source based on ambient light conditions detected by light detection modules. During daytime when ambient light is sufficient, the system reduces the brightness of the operating light source to minimize energy consumption and heat generation. At night when ambient light is insufficient, the system increases brightness to provide adequate illumination. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between energy savings and thermal management.
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 device effectively extends the lifespan of light sources by alternating their operation and adjusting to environmental conditions, ensuring continuous operation while minimizing damage and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature detection module; when the first temperature detection module detects that the change rate of the operating temperature of the first light source or the first power controller exceeds a change rate threshold
Implementation Method 2
a first light intensity detection module; when the first light intensity detection module detects that the ambient light intensity is within a first light intensity range
Data Source
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AI summary
An always-on lighting device having multiple power controllers is provided, which includes a first power controller, a first light source, a second power controller and a second light source. The first power controller and the second power controller execute an alternate mode. In the alternate mode, the first power controller keeps the first light source in on state within a predetermined time period. Then, the first power controller turns off the first light source after the predetermine time period passes and transmits a control signal to the second power controller, such that the second power controller keeps the second light source in on state within the predetermined time period.