Dimmable LED Lamp Wireless IR Retrofit Accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercial lighting industry faces a challenge in providing dimmable LED lamps that can be easily retrofitted into existing lighting systems, especially since many UL Type B TLED lamps lack dimming infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A dimmable LED lamp equipped with a wireless accessory that includes a wireless receiver for receiving dimming signals, an IR emitter to transmit these signals to an IR sensor, and a microcontroller to generate a dimming control signal for the driver circuit, allowing the lamp to be dimmed via an infrared interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If UL Type B TLED lamps connect directly to AC mains power bypassing ballast circuitry, then the lamp structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the lamp lacks dimming infrastructure and cannot be dimmed
Solution Approach 1:
The dimming functionality is segmented into a separate attachable accessory module that can be added to the lamp. This accessory contains the wireless receiver, IR emitter, and control circuitry, allowing the basic lamp structure to remain simple while providing dimming capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachable accessory serves multiple functions: it receives wireless dimming signals, converts them to IR signals, and controls the LED dimming. This universal accessory can be applied to various UL Type B TLED lamps to provide dimming capability without modifying the lamp's core structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart/connected lamps are installed with connected lighting systems, then dimming and energy efficiency control is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachable accessory uses cost-effective components such as off-the-shelf wireless receivers, IR emitters, and microcontrollers. This approach provides smart lighting functionality at a fraction of the cost of integrated smart LED lamps, making energy efficiency control accessible to cost-sensitive consumers.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between simple UL Type B TLED lamps and smart lighting systems. It provides the necessary wireless communication and control infrastructure without requiring expensive integrated smart LED components.
3Loss of energy
If multiple LED lamps are controlled simultaneously through wireless dimming signals, then system-wide energy efficiency is improved, but the need for additional control infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each lamp with its attachable accessory operates autonomously, receiving wireless dimming signals independently and controlling its own LED output. This self-service approach allows multiple lamps to be controlled simultaneously without requiring complex centralized control infrastructure or inter-lamp communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachable accessory provides universal control capability that works with standard wireless remote controls and infrared protocols. This allows system-wide energy efficiency control across multiple lamps using simple, widely-compatible wireless signaling without requiring proprietary control infrastructure.
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 cost-effective retrofitting of dimmable LED lamps into existing systems, allowing for simultaneous control of multiple lamps through wireless dimming signals, thereby meeting energy efficiency standards and consumer demand.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless accessory then transmits an IR signal via an IR emitter to an IR sensor of the end cap
Implementation Method 2
The IR sensor generates a sensor signal based on the received IR signal
Implementation Method 3
The LED power signal is a pulse width modulation signal (PWM) with a duty cycle corresponding to the dimming control signal
Data Source
AI summary
A dimmable LED lamp is provided, including an accessory, an end cap, and LEDs. The accessory includes a wireless receiver and an IR emitter. The wireless receiver receives a wireless dimming signal. The IR emitter transmits an IR signal corresponding to the wireless dimming signal. The dimmable LED lamp includes an end cap. The end cap includes an IR sensor, an MCU, and a driver circuit. The IR sensor receives the IR signal and transmits a corresponding sensor signal. The MCU receives the sensor signal and transmits a corresponding dimming control signal. The driver circuit receives an AC mains power signal from the AC mains power supply, receives the dimming control signal, and generates an LED power signal based on the AC mains power signal and having a duty cycle corresponding to the dimming control signal. The LEDs receive the LED power signal.