Attachable Lighting Control Apparatus for Compact Wireless Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control devices are often bulky, cumbersome to install, and difficult to configure for use with specific light sources, lacking a small and low-profile design that is easy to install and intuitively commission for control.
Innovation Solution
An attachable lighting control apparatus featuring capacitive touch pads, a placement sensor, a microcontroller, and a communication interface for wireless control of light sources, powered by a rechargeable battery and secured using adhesive, magnetic, or suction-based methods, allowing for intuitive commissioning and control of light properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control devices are used, then lighting control functionality is achieved, but the devices are bulky and cumbersome to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control functionality from traditional bulky control devices and implements it in a small attachable form factor. The control apparatus is removed from the docking station and operates independently using a rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for large housing and complex mounting hardware while maintaining core lighting control capabilities through touch-sensitive interfaces and wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulky control devices to a two-dimensional attachable control interface that adheres to the docking station surface. This dimensional reduction allows the control apparatus to have minimal profile and occupy negligible space while providing full control functionality through a touch-sensitive user interface.
2Ease of operation
If traditional control devices are used, then lighting control functionality is achieved, but they are difficult to configure for use with specific light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration through automatic commissioning. When the attachable control apparatus is placed on the docking station, it automatically detects the light source and configures control parameters without requiring manual setup. The system performs self-identification and establishes communication protocols automatically, eliminating complex configuration steps for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms during the commissioning process where the control apparatus receives signals from the light source and adjusts configuration parameters automatically. The docking station provides feedback about the light source characteristics, enabling the control apparatus to adapt its control functionality seamlessly without user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If mobile computing devices are used for control, then lighting control is possible, but they are not always available or readily located when lighting control is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lighting control functionality from mobile computing devices and implements it in a dedicated attachable control apparatus. This dedicated device is always available at the docking station location and does not depend on the availability of personal mobile devices, providing immediate access to lighting control whenever needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the attachable control apparatus as an intermediary between the user and the lighting system. This intermediate device provides a simplified touch-sensitive interface specifically designed for lighting control, eliminating the need to use general-purpose mobile devices and reducing system dependency on external computing platforms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an attachable apparatus (100) and related methods for controlling one or more properties of light emitted by a light source. In various embodiments, the attachable lighting control apparatus may be secured to a surface (632), which in some instances may be on or near the light source (630). In various embodiments, a placement sensor (218) may detect that the attachable lighting control apparatus has been secured to the surface, and may activate the attachable lighting control apparatus. Activation may cause the attachable lighting control apparatus to, automatically or in response to one or more additional events, commission itself to control one or more properties of light emitted by the light source. In various embodiments, the attachable lighting control apparatus may generate and transmit to the light source a lighting instruction based on touch input received at one or more touch-sensitive sensors (216) of the attachable lighting control apparatus.