Control Module Automatic Wiring Topology Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load control systems face challenges with increased network traffic and communication delays due to the use of multiple input devices communicating via wireless signals, leading to network inefficiencies and delayed responses in controlling electrical loads.

Innovation Solution

A control module is introduced, configured with a connector, wired communication circuits, a control circuit, and a power supply. It determines the wiring topology (two-wire or four-wire) by generating a test signal and analyzing the response, allowing it to communicate effectively with load control devices using the appropriate communication circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input devices communicate via wireless RF signals to control load control devices, then the load control system can be implemented with separate input and control devices, but network traffic increases and communication delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload control system implementationVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines input device functionality directly into the load control device, merging previously separate components. This integration eliminates the need for wireless communication between separate input and control devices, thereby reducing network traffic and communication delays while maintaining system versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The load control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can directly control electrical loads and also function as an input device for user interaction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate input devices, reducing network complexity and communication delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input devices are installed separately to control load control devices, then the load control system can provide comprehensive control capabilities, but the number of devices increases and network traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilitiesVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges input device functionality into the load control device itself, combining previously separate components into a single integrated unit. This reduces the total number of devices in the system while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities through the integrated device's ability to both sense and control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated load control device performs multiple functions including load control and input processing. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain comprehensive control capabilities with fewer devices, reducing network traffic and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If wireless RF signals are used for communication between input devices and load control devices, then the system can be installed with separate devices, but network inefficiencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice installationVSAvoidnetwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines input and control functions into a single device, eliminating wireless communication requirements. This integration ensures reliable operation by removing the network dependency while maintaining ease of installation through the unified device design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the wireless communication dependency from the system by integrating input and control functions. This removes the source of network inefficiencies and reliability issues while preserving the ease of installation through direct device operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250040018A1Automatic configuration of a control module for a lighting fixture

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC

AI summary

A control module may control a control device of a load control system. The control module may include a connector that can be coupled to the control device for receiving power and communicating with the control device. The control module may include a first wired communication circuit may be coupled to the third and fourth electrical terminals and configured to communicate with the control device when the control module is coupled to the control device using a four-wire topology. The control module may include a second wired communication circuit may be coupled to the first and second electrical terminals and configured to communicate with the control device when the control module is coupled to the control device using a two-wire topology. The control circuit may be configured to determine whether to communicate with the control device using the first wired communication circuit or the second wired communication circuit.