Configurable Lighting System Wireless Control Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting control systems, such as wall-mounted switches and infrared remote controls, are limited in their ability to easily and conveniently access and control advanced lighting functions like dimming and color adjustment, and existing solutions like radio frequency control devices and DALI-standard compatible systems are either expensive, complex, or require replacing existing infrastructure, which is not practical for home users.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system with a programmable control module that communicates wirelessly with a programming unit, allowing users to define different illumination modes through various patterns of movement of a light switch or remote control button, such as speed, duration, and frequency, enabling users to customize lighting outputs without the need for expensive or complex installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radio frequency control devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or wireless smart switches are used to control advanced lighting functions, then user accessibility and control flexibility are improved, but device cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibility and control flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity and device cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication module is introduced as an intermediary between the existing light switch and the lighting unit. This module receives control signals from the simple light switch via wireless communication (RF, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi) and translates them into commands for the lighting unit, enabling advanced control without replacing the existing switch infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for complex wired control systems (DALI) or sophisticated control devices (mobile phones, tablets) with a wireless communication-based system. The mechanical/electrical connection requirement is substituted with wireless signal transmission, simplifying installation and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If DALI-standard compatible control devices and lighting units are installed to achieve advanced lighting control, then lighting functionality and control precision are improved, but installation cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is pre-configured with multiple control modes and parameters before installation. During installation, users can simply select from pre-defined modes (dimming, color temperature adjustment, color change) without requiring complex configuration or calibration, significantly reducing installation time and technical expertise required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is designed to be universally compatible with existing light switches and various types of lighting units. It supports multiple control protocols (RF, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and can work with different bulb types (LED, CFL, incandescent), eliminating the need for specialized DALI-compatible equipment and reducing installation complexity

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing lighting infrastructure is replaced with new DALI-standard compatible devices, then control capability is improved, but cost and complexity of replacement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication module acts as a mediator that bridges between existing light switches and modern lighting units. This allows users to upgrade lighting units while retaining their existing switches, avoiding the need to replace the entire lighting infrastructure and reducing installation cost and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to be dynamically adaptable, allowing users to add or remove lighting units and control modules as needed. The wireless communication protocol enables flexible system configuration without requiring re-wiring or physical reconfiguration of the infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3570643B1A configurable lighting system and method
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP3570643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3570643B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3570643B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A configurable lighting system including a lighting unit having an illumination module and a programmable control module; a light switch configured for electrical communication with the lighting unit via an electrical circuit and being operable in a first and a second operational position such that the illumination module, in response to operation of the light switch in the first and the second operational positions, is able to output a first set of illumination modes; and, a programming unit configured for wireless communication with the programmable control module of the lighting unit via a wireless communication link wherein the programming unit includes a programming interface via which the programmable control module of the lighting unit is able to be programmed such that, in response to different patterns of movement of the light switch between the first and second operational positions, the illumination module is controlled by the programmable control module to output a second set of illumination modes having a greater number of illumination modes than that of the first set of illumination modes.