Dimmer Control of Angular Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems require complex electrical systems and multiple switches to control angular light distribution, which is not economically or practically feasible in home or office settings, and there is a need for adaptable lighting solutions that can provide both direct and indirect illumination.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single dimmer switch to control the angular light distribution of a light-output device, allowing for adjustable illumination patterns by activating different sets of light-sources, with power supplied through an external AC source to maintain constant consumption and avoid insufficient power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches and complex electrical wiring are used to control angular light distribution, then the lighting control functionality is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single dimmer switch to perform multiple functions: it controls both the intensity and the angular distribution of light from a single light-output device. The dimmer switch's phase-controlled signal is processed to generate multiple phase-shifted square waves that independently control different LED groups, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple switches and complex wiring arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple switches into a single dimmer switch. By combining multiple LED groups into one light-output device and using a single dimmer to control all groups through phase-shifted signals, the system consolidates what would be separate control elements into one unified control interface, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are installed to control different lighting directions, then the lighting adaptability is improved, but the installation cost and practical feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer switch is designed to provide universal control over multiple lighting directions simultaneously. By processing the dimmer's phase-controlled signal into multiple phase-shifted square waves, the system enables a single control device to manage lighting in different directions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated switches and making installation practical for home and office environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the single dimmer switch and the multiple LED groups. It receives the phase-controlled signal from the dimmer, processes it into multiple phase-shifted square waves, and distributes these signals to appropriate LED groups, thereby mediating the control relationship and enabling directional lighting control without requiring multiple switches.
3Device complexity
If power is supplied through the dimmer switch, then the control integration is improved, but the power consumption may become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic phase-controlled square wave signals to drive the LED groups. By synchronizing the switching of multiple LED groups with phase-shifted periodic signals derived from the dimmer control, the system achieves integrated control while managing power distribution across different LED groups at different phases of the AC cycle, preventing power insufficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling an angular distribution of a light-beam emitted by a light-output device (102, 200) comprising a first set of light-sources (105, 211) comprising at least one light-source configured to emit light within a first angular range (221, 231, 241) and second set of light-sources (107, 210) comprising at least one light-source configured to emit light within a second angular range (222, 232, 242), wherein the first angular range is different from the second angular range. The method comprises the steps of: receiving (401) a dimmer setting (VDS) from a dimmer (101); controlling (404), if the dimmer setting is within a first predetermined range, the first set of light-sources to emit light within the first angular range; and controlling (405), if the dimmer setting is within a second predetermined range, the second set of light-sources to emit light within the second angular range. Through the method according to the invention the angular distribution of light emitted from a single light-output device may be controlled using a single switch, thereby avoiding the need for having a plurality of switches and/or new wiring which would otherwise be required.