Appliance Unit Bypass Module for Independent Control Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart lighting systems with integrated functionalities face challenges in efficient power management, particularly in retrofit installations without a neutral wire, where independent control of light and auxiliary modules is necessary for optimal functionality and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an appliance unit with a controllable light generating module and auxiliary module, connected in series or parallel with a control unit, utilizing a bypass module to enable separate power management. This includes a control module that negotiates power modes with the control unit, allowing the control unit to be powered independently of the appliance unit, and a supply regulator module that divides the power supply cycle to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the appliance unit is connected in series to the control unit and power supply, then the installation is simplified and compatibility with existing wall boxes is improved, but the control unit cannot be powered independently when the appliance module is in standby mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power flow path by introducing a bypass module that creates a separate current path for the control unit, independent from the appliance module power path. This allows the control unit to be powered separately even when the appliance module is in standby mode, resolving the contradiction between series connection simplicity and independent power reliability.
2Reliability
If the bypass module passes current to power the control unit separately, then independent power supply is enabled, but power loss increases due to additional current path
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass module is configured to pass current only during specific portions of the power supply cycle when the control unit requires power, rather than continuously. This periodic operation enables independent power supply when needed while minimizing power loss by keeping the bypass inactive during other periods, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the appliance module is completely powered down in standby mode, then energy efficiency is improved, but the control unit loses power and cannot perform control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution into two independent paths: one for the appliance module and another for the control unit via the bypass module. This allows the appliance module to be completely powered down in standby mode for energy efficiency, while the control unit maintains separate power supply to continue performing control functions, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and operational control.
4Device complexity
If the control unit and appliance module share the same power path, then device complexity is reduced, but independent control of functionalities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bypass module that segments the power path into independent channels for the control unit and appliance module. This segmentation enables independent control of each functionality while maintaining relatively simple system structure, as the bypass module is a straightforward addition to the existing series connection architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and independent control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance unit (3) is for electrical connection in series to a control unit (1) and to a power supply via the control unit (1). The appliance unit (3) comprises an appliance module comprising at least one controllable light generating module (23) and/or at least one controllable auxiliary module (25) for performing functionality other than light generating, and a control module (27) for negotiating a power mode for the appliance unit (3) with the control unit (1). The appliance module is controlled based on the power mode. A bypass module (21) is able to pass current through the appliance unit (3), such that the bypass module (21) is configured to pass a current to enable the control unit (1) to be powered separately from any current passed by the at least one controllable light generating module (23) and the at least one controllable auxiliary module (25).