Concentric Rotary Light Control for Unified Dimming and Color Tuning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional lighting control systems require multiple devices to manage intensity and color, leading to increased costs, complexity, and a lack of user-friendly interfaces with feedback mechanisms, making them less aesthetically appealing and harder to use.

Innovation Solution

A control device with concentric rotating portions and a control circuit that allows independent adjustment of intensity and color, along with visual indicators for feedback, integrated into a single unit that can be mounted over existing switches or as a dimmer switch, enabling unified control and feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control devices are used to control intensity and color separately, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions (intensity control, color temperature control, and feedback display) into a single control device. The controller integrates the first rotating mechanism for intensity, the second rotating mechanism for color temperature, and the light bar for feedback, eliminating the need for multiple separate control devices and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed as a universal controller that can perform multiple functions: controlling light intensity via the first rotating mechanism, adjusting color temperature via the second rotating mechanism, and providing visual feedback through the light bar. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.

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

2Ease of operation

If traditional control devices are used, then simple control is achieved, but user feedback mechanism is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoiduser feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a light bar that provides visual feedback to the user about the current control state. The light bar can display different patterns or intensities to indicate the current light intensity level and color temperature setting, giving users immediate feedback about their control actions without requiring separate display devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate control devices are used for intensity and color, then specific control functions are achieved, but aesthetic appeal and usability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidusability and aesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging all control functions and feedback mechanisms into a single integrated device with a unified interface, the patent improves both usability and aesthetic appeal. Users interact with one cohesive device rather than multiple separate controls, creating a cleaner installation and more intuitive user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3466212B1Control device for controlling multiple operating characteristics of an electrical load
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
  • EP3466212B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3466212B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3466212B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A load control device may be configured to control multiple characteristics of one or more electrical loads such as the intensity and color of a lighting load. The load control device may include concentric rotating portions for adjusting the multiple characteristics. A control circuit of the load control device may be configured to generate control data for controlling one or more of the characteristics of the electrical loads in response to rotations of the concentric rotating portions. The control circuit may be further configured to provide feedback regarding the control being applied on one or more visual indicators. The load control device may be a wall-mounted dimmer device or a battery-powered remote control device.