Dimmer Determination Device for Automatic Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimmer switch systems require manual adjustment based on time of day and ambient light levels, leading to suboptimal electrical device output and inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A dimmer determination device that includes an ambient light sensor, timer, and hardware processor to automatically determine and adjust the dimmer level by generating dimming signals based on stored events and algorithms, ensuring optimal power delivery to electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If manual dimmer switch adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal electrical device output
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer determination device automatically determines optimal dimmer levels without requiring user intervention. The system uses an ambient light sensor to detect light levels, a timer to track time of day, and a hardware processor with stored algorithms to automatically generate and send dimmer level signals to the controller, enabling the system to self-adjust and optimize energy efficiency autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of dimmer switches with an automated electronic control system. The hardware processor substitutes for manual user action, using electronic sensors (ambient light sensor), timing circuits, and digital signal processing to determine and communicate optimal dimmer levels, thereby eliminating the need for manual intervention while improving energy efficiency
2Loss of energy
If automatic dimmer determination device is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives dimmer level signals from the dimmer determination device, sends appropriate amounts of power to the electrical device, and integrates with the ambient light sensor and timer components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving energy efficiency improvements
3Productivity
If manual dimmer adjustment is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity deteriorates due to requiring user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of dimmer levels based on ambient light conditions and time of day without requiring user intervention. The ambient light sensor continuously monitors light levels, the timer tracks time, and the hardware processor automatically determines and applies appropriate dimmer levels, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient light sensor provides continuous feedback about the ambient light conditions to the hardware processor. This feedback loop enables the system to dynamically adjust dimmer levels in response to changing environmental conditions, improving operational efficiency by ensuring optimal lighting output without requiring user awareness or intervention
4Ease of operation
If automatic dimmer control is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processors
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer determination device completely automates the dimmer adjustment process, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings. The system independently monitors ambient light conditions and time of day, processes this information through stored algorithms, and automatically applies appropriate dimmer levels, providing maximum user convenience while managing complexity through integrated design
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
Automatically adjusts the dimmer level according to time of day and ambient light, optimizing electrical device output and reducing user intervention, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light sensor, and a timer that tracks time
Data Source
AI summary
The electrical switch device can includes a method and dimmer determination device that automatically determining a dimmer level for an electronic device. A signal is received and, when coupled with the time of day and the ambient light level, an appropriate algorithm can be selected. The output of the algorithm provides the dimmer level, which is sent to a controller for output to the electrical device. Based on user feedback, the algorithms and thresholds used to determine the dimmer level can be adjusted, created, and deleted to provide a more accurate dimming level in the future.