Bus Coupled Alarm Device LED Control for EN54-23 Compliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bus coupled alarm systems face challenges in meeting the illumination requirements of European Standard EN54-23 due to limited electrical current capacity, leading to inefficient power usage and potential system failures, especially when adapting to different mounting heights and room sizes without wasting light or exceeding power demands.

Innovation Solution

A visual alarm device with a controller that adjusts the operation parameters of LEDs, such as duty cycle and maximum electric power, to optimize light distribution based on mounting position, using storage units like EEPROM for setting parameters and optical guiding elements to direct light effectively within predetermined areas, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining required luminance levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If higher light output levels are used to meet EN54-23 illumination requirements, then illumination coverage is improved, but current consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating light output based on mounting position. A single VAD model can be configured to emit different light quantities depending on whether it is mounted on a ceiling or wall, optimizing illumination efficiency for each specific application location while meeting EN54-23 requirements without excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling adjustable light output levels that can be modified based on operating conditions. The controller can adapt the light emission intensity according to the actual mounting position and environmental factors, allowing the system to optimize between illumination coverage and power consumption dynamically rather than operating at fixed high output levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If more VADs are connected to the bus to cover larger areas, then illumination coverage is improved, but the limited bus current capacity causes system failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single VAD model that can serve multiple mounting scenarios (ceiling and wall mounting) through configurable light output levels. This eliminates the need for different device models for different applications, allowing flexible system expansion within the bus current capacity limits while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the light output level to be adjusted based on the mounting position. This parameter adjustment enables the system to optimize power consumption for each device based on its location, allowing more devices to be connected to the bus within the current capacity limits while still achieving adequate illumination coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If a VAD designed for high mounting position is used at low mounting height, then light is wasted in vertical direction, but reducing power to fit mounting height reduces illumination of required area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight wasteVSAvoidrequired illumination level
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring the VAD to emit appropriate light quantities for its specific mounting position. Whether mounted on a ceiling or wall, the device adjusts its light output pattern and intensity to match the local requirements, ensuring adequate illumination of the required area while minimizing light waste in unnecessary directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the VAD to adapt its light emission characteristics based on the mounting position. The controller can modify the light output intensity and distribution dynamically according to whether the device is installed at high or low mounting heights, optimizing the balance between avoiding light waste and maintaining required illumination levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures compliance with EN54-23 illumination standards without wasting power, allowing for flexible adaptation to various mounting situations and room sizes, ensuring efficient energy distribution within the bus system.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light emitting devices, e.g. LEDs, for emitting light into a plurality of directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

optical guiding element associated with at least one of the plurality of LEDs for guiding the emitted light into a predetermined area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical guidance: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP2858047B1Bus coupled alarm device
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 NOVAR GMBH
  • EP2858047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2858047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2858047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A visual alarm device comprising: a plurality of light emitting devices (13) for emitting light into a plurality of directions; a controller (27) for controlling the operation of the plurality of light emitting devices (13); wherein the controller (27) is configured to control at least one of the plurality of operation parameters of at least two of the plurality of light emitting devices (13) so as to have different values and so that the respective light emitting devices (13) emit different amounts of light.