Communication Adaptor for Compact Wireless-Wired Lighting Converters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing converters for driving lighting means, such as LED converters, face increased costs and sizes due to the inclusion of both wireless and wired communication capabilities, despite not all communication features being utilized in practical use.
Innovation Solution
A modular communication adaptor is introduced, comprising a transmission antenna, wired control interface, and control circuitry that converts wireless and wired signals, powered by the wired control interface, allowing for a compact design that does not require a separate power supply and uses engagement means with the converter for strain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a converter is provided with both wireless and wired communication means, then communication versatility is improved, but cost and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into a converter unit and a separate communication adaptor. The adaptor contains the wireless communication means (NFC antenna and control circuitry) and can be detached or attached as needed. This allows the converter to have wireless capability only when the adaptor is present, reducing size and cost when the adaptor is not used.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication functionality is extracted from the converter and placed into a separate communication adaptor. This extraction allows the converter to be sold and used without the wireless capability, reducing its size and cost, while still offering wireless functionality when needed through the adaptor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a converter is provided with both wireless and wired communication means, then communication versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into separate manufacturing units: the converter and the communication adaptor. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce converters at a lower base cost and only add the more expensive wireless communication components when customers require that functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication adaptor serves multiple functions: it provides wireless communication capability, acts as a strain relief module for power supply wiring, and can be mechanically attached to the converter. This multi-functionality justifies the additional cost by providing multiple benefits from a single component.
3Device complexity
If the communication adaptor is powered by the wired control interface, then device complexity is reduced, but power availability is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adaptor is designed to be self-powered by drawing power from the wired control interface terminals. It uses the existing DALI protocol power supply (non-zero voltage in quiescent state) to power its own control circuitry and wireless communication functions, eliminating the need for a separate power supply unit.
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
Enables efficient conversion between wireless and wired communication signals, reducing converter size and cost while maintaining functionality, and allowing for dimmable and fully controllable lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission antenna, preferably for near field communication (NFC)
Implementation Method 2
a reception antenna for wireless communication of a converter for lighting means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a communication adaptor, comprising within one casing: - a transmission antenna, - a wired control interface connected to wired control interface terminals, - a control circuitry for converting wirelessly received wireless communication signals into wired control interface signals and vice versa, wherein - the adaptor is designed such that it can be brought in close contact with a reception antenna of a converter for lighting mean, such as e.g. LEDs, in order to establish a wireless communication, wherein the control circuity and the wired control interface are powered by means of the wired control interface terminals.