Dimmable Circuit With Rotatable Arm And Encoder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern light dimmers lack adjustability, tactile appeal, and aesthetic appeal, and do not provide control over the location or direction of light, failing to meet the needs for versatile and ornamental lighting systems in residential and commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A dimmable circuit system that includes a rotatable arm fixture with a shaft and encoder to control light characteristics like luminosity, color, and temperature, using a slip ring for continuous power supply and a programmable microprocessor to manage various light settings, allowing for customizable operation and assembly with adjustable light direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary potentiometer is used for dimming control, then the light intensity can be adjusted, but the device lacks tactile appeal and aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotary potentiometer with a digital control system that includes a microcontroller, encoder, and wireless communication module. This substitution eliminates the need for a physical potentiometer while maintaining dimming functionality, and allows for a more aesthetically pleasing design with better tactile appeal through modern digital interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: dimming control, on/off switching, wireless communication (RF and Bluetooth), and programmable operation modes. This multi-functionality replaces the simple potentiometer with a comprehensive control system that provides both operational convenience and aesthetic design flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a digital control system with wireless network is used, then connectivity is improved, but adjustability and tactile appeal are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines digital wireless control capabilities with traditional tactile interaction elements. The housing includes both wireless communication hardware and physical buttons or a dial that provide tactile feedback, merging the advantages of both digital connectivity and mechanical interaction for optimal user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an encoder as an intermediary between the physical rotation input and the digital control system. The encoder converts mechanical rotation into digital signals that the microcontroller can process, providing both tactile interaction and digital connectivity functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a 270-degree potentiometer sweep is used, then on/off threshold control is provided, but the rotation range and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation system where the arm fixture can rotate through multiple complete rotations (beyond the fixed 270-degree limit). The encoder tracks the cumulative rotation angle, allowing for programmable dimming curves, multiple on/off thresholds, and customizable operation modes that adapt to different user preferences and lighting scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for programmable changes in dimming parameters, including the ability to define custom dimming curves, multiple on/off thresholds, and different operation modes through software configuration. This provides extensive customization options without being constrained by the physical rotation range of traditional potentiometers.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional dimmer structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but production costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dimmer system into modular components: a housing module, a control module (with microcontroller and encoder), a wireless communication module, and a driver circuit module. This segmentation allows for independent manufacturing and testing of each module, reducing assembly complexity and enabling parallel production to improve productivity and reduce costs.
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 easy operation and customization of light fixtures with enhanced adjustability and aesthetic appeal, providing precise control over light characteristics and direction through a 360-degree rotation mechanism, supporting multiple rotations and programmable settings.
Implementation Method 1
The encoder may be arranged to rotate in response to rotation of the shaft, and may convert the angular position or motion of the shaft into electronic pulses that are transmitted to the electrical control unit
Implementation Method 2
a slip ring attached to the rotatable shaft that transmits electrical power from electrical control unit to the at least one light source
Data Source
AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment, a dimmable circuit for operating a lighting fixture may be provided. The dimmable circuit may be capable of regulating the output intensity of a connected light source via the rotational angular displacement of an arm fixture. The dimmable circuit may include a housing, an arm fixture with at least one light source mounted thereto, a rotatable shaft that provides angular rotational movement of the arm fixture about the housing, an encoder, an electrical control unit, and a slip ring. The rotatable shaft may support multiple complete rotations of the arm fixture, as well as rotations below and beyond 360 degrees. Further, a programmable microprocessor may be used to manipulate various light characteristics of the light source according to predetermined dimming patterns.