Automated Lighting Control Using Astronomical Timers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for traffic routes inside or outside buildings waste energy as they remain switched on even when not in use, and motion detectors or presence detectors are prone to failure and require complex retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
An automated lighting system using an astronomical timer and electromagnetically or electrically operated time relays, which are controlled by a programmable unit to switch lights on only when necessary based on location and expected usage periods, and allows manual override for individual brightness needs, with remote programming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lighting system remains switched on continuously, then the traffic route is always illuminated, but energy is wasted when the route is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system operates periodically based on astronomical data (sunrise/sunset times) and expected usage periods, switching on only during nighttime hours when illumination is needed and switching off during daytime, thereby eliminating continuous operation and reducing energy waste while maintaining reliability during actual use periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses astronomical timers to predict and prepare for illumination needs in advance based on location-specific sunrise and sunset data, switching on before the expected start of darkness and switching off after sunset, ensuring illumination is available when needed without extending operation unnecessarily
2Loss of energy
If motion detectors or presence detectors are used to control lighting, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires extensive retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control logic from complex detection systems (motion detectors, presence detectors) and replaces it with a simplified astronomical timer-based system that uses pre-calculated sunrise and sunset data combined with expected usage periods, eliminating the need for sensors and complex detection algorithms while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system serves itself by automatically determining operation times based on astronomical data and pre-programmed usage periods, without requiring external sensors or complex detection mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity while achieving energy efficiency
3Loss of energy
If motion detectors are installed to control lighting, then energy waste is reduced, but installation complexity and retrofitting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/sensor-based detection systems with an electronic astronomical timer system that uses pre-calculated astronomical data and simple time-based logic, eliminating the need for physical sensors, cables, and complex installation while achieving the same energy waste reduction goal
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 ensures energy-efficient operation by automatically switching lights on only when required, reducing energy waste and allowing for flexible manual control, while enabling remote maintenance and minimizing retrofitting complexities.
Implementation Method 1
using an astronomical timer for a location at which the traffic route is located, times are determined at which daylight is available
Implementation Method 2
Both an astronomical timer and an electromagnetically or electrically operated time relay can, for example, complement an existing electrical control system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (1) and a device (21) for automatically switching a lighting system on and off to illuminate a traffic route inside or outside a building. Advantageously, a light source of the lighting system is switched on or off depending on the location of the building and the expected period of use. The lighting system is advantageously switched on automatically only when traffic route lighting is actually required and switched off automatically if sufficient daylight is available during the expected period of use.