Electrical Consumer Module Local Sensor Control Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical consumer systems in building installations lack direct control capabilities for individual consumer modules, making them less user-friendly and requiring manual operation from distant sensors like switches or dimmers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating on-site sensors within electrical consumer modules that allow direct control of loads, such as dimming or switching, and using a converter to integrate control signals from external dimmers, enabling seamless operation and switching between local and remote control modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If local sensors are integrated into consumer modules for direct control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect control capabilityVSAvoidmodule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control unit and local sensors directly within the consumer module, merging previously separate functions (control and consumption) into a single integrated unit. This enables direct local control while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The consumer module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a power consumption device and as a controllable unit with local sensing capabilities. The module can operate in multiple modes (local control, remote control via data line, or sensor-based automation), making it adaptable to different usage scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices.

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

2Ease of operation

If control is decoupled from central control module to enable local operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of centralized control decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal control capabilityVSAvoidcentralized control consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the consumer module to switch between different control modes (local sensor control, centralized control via data line) based on operational needs. This dynamic adaptability enables local operation when convenient while maintaining the option for centralized control when system-wide coordination is required, thus balancing ease of operation with centralized control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control methods are supported simultaneously, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol method compatibilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The consumer module is designed with universal control capabilities, supporting multiple control methods (local sensors, centralized control via data line, and sensor-based automation) within a single unified device. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different control preferences and scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices for each control method.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control functionality is segmented into distinct operational modes that can be independently activated. The module can process different control signals (local sensor inputs, data line commands, automation signals) through separate evaluation paths within the control unit, allowing multiple control methods to coexist without interfering with each other, thus managing complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3627658B1Method for operating an electric consumption module and electric consumption system
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 INSTA ELEKTRO GMBH
  • EP3627658B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3627658B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3627658B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for operating at least one electrical load 19, 20; 19.1, 20.1 and a control unit 18 for controlling the load module 3, which has at least one electrical load 19, 20; 19.1, 20.1, via a control module SM using two supply lines and one data line, is implemented by decoupling the load module 3, when activated, from the control of its at least one electrical load 19, 20; 19.1, 20.1 by the control module SM via a local sensor, and the at least one electrical load 19, 20; 19.1, 20.1 is subsequently controlled via the control unit 18 of the electrical load module 3 by the local sensor. An electrical load system 1 is also described.