Dimmer System Automatic LED Lamp Association

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for associating dimmers with LED lamps, especially when the lamp is already ceiling-mounted, are hindered, and there is a need for an automatic association method that allows better user control, especially during AC line voltage outages.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatic association between a dimmer and a dimmable lamp, where the dimmer transmits a unique identification message upon lamp activation, and the lamp saves this ID to interpret future messages, enabling wireless control, and includes a backup energy source for continued operation during outages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a wireless association technique requiring simultaneous actuation of actuators is used, then the dimmer and LED lamp can be associated wirelessly, but the technique is not applicable when the LED lamp is already ceiling mounted which hinders the actuation operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassociation operationVSAvoidapplicability to ceiling-mounted lamps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical actuation system (physical buttons requiring simultaneous pressing) with an automated electronic system that detects power-on events and performs association through wireless communication automatically, eliminating the need for manual user interaction with physical actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-association automatically when the lamp is powered on, with the lamp controller detecting the power-on state and autonomously establishing wireless communication with the dimmer without requiring user intervention or manual actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If an association technique based on signal strength measurement is used, then wireless devices can be associated dynamically, but the technique is not applicable when both the dimmer and the lamp are stationary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic association capabilityVSAvoidsimplicity of association process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the association action preliminarily during the lamp's power-on event, establishing the wireless link before normal operation begins. This preliminary association eliminates the need for complex runtime signal strength measurements and re-association procedures during stationary operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual entry of lamp serial number is required for association, then precise identification can be achieved, but the technique necessitates knowing the lamp's serial number and is not applicable in the case of a dimmer with a simple user interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual data entry interface (requiring users to type serial numbers) with an automated electronic identification system where the lamp controller automatically transmits its identity through wireless communication protocols, eliminating the need for complex user input interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lamp controller autonomously provides its identification information through wireless communication during the power-on association process, eliminating the need for users to manually enter serial numbers or interact with complex input interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If no backup energy source is provided, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot maintain operation during AC line voltage outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a backup energy source (battery or capacitor) that is pre-charged during normal AC-powered operation to cushion against future AC line voltage outages, allowing the lamp to maintain operation temporarily during power failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10652986B1Dimmer system control

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 ROMANO SHAFRIR

AI summary

A method and system for allowing automatic provisioning of a LED lamp in a dimmer system. The dimmer powers the lamp through a switched AC line. A wireless link serves for information exchange between the dimmer and the lamp. When the lamp is turned on by the dimmer, it starts a short waiting period in which it expects to wirelessly receive from the dimmer a provisioning message including a dimmer identification, which it saves to identify dimming messages the dimmer. Another aspect of the invention is disclosed in the above dimmer system, wherein the lamp comprises a backup battery. The dimmer wirelessly informs the lamp upon voltage drops at its input caused by user OFF actions and/or by AC supply outage. The lamp is configured to assume backup mode only upon detecting, based on the above information, a voltage drop at its input caused by an AC supply outage.