Distributed Lighting Control via Modular Power and Signal Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automated lighting systems face challenges due to centralized control schemes, requiring 'home run' wiring and separate lines for power and control, which complicates installation and limits flexibility, especially with the need to integrate sensors and override switches.
Innovation Solution
A distributed intelligence lighting system using modular wiring that carries both power and digital control signals, enabling advanced features like multiple zone and circuit control, and integrating sensors and override switches through a DALI protocol-based network with global and local controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized control scheme is used, then control functionality is provided, but wiring complexity increases due to home run requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed intelligent units (ballasts, controllers, sensors) that can independently make control decisions. Each device segment contains its own processor and memory, eliminating the need for complex home run wiring to a central panel while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal communication bus wiring that carries both power and control signals, replacing separate home run wires for each function. The intelligent devices can perform multiple functions (lighting control, sensing, communication) through this single universal interface, reducing overall wiring complexity.
2Reliability
If separate lines for power and control are used, then electrical code compliance is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and control signal transmission into a single communication bus wiring system. The intelligent devices differentiate between power and control functions through software and protocol design, maintaining electrical code compliance while reducing installation time by eliminating separate control wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical separation of power and control wiring with an electronic/software-based differentiation. The same physical wiring carries both power and control signals, with the distinction made through electronic protocols rather than physical separation, reducing installation complexity.
3Device complexity
If modular wiring carrying both power and control signals is used, then installation complexity is reduced, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shielding and filtering as intermediary elements within the communication bus wiring. These intermediaries protect control signals from power-related interference while allowing both signals to coexist in the same cable, reducing installation complexity without compromising signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where intelligent devices monitor signal quality and adjust transmission parameters dynamically. This feedback loop detects and compensates for interference in real-time, allowing combined power and control wiring to function reliably despite potential interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed intelligence lighting system is comprised of a global controller, one or more local controllers, wall stations, sensors and lighting fixtures. In one aspect, the lighting system provides schedule-based, occupancy-based, and/or daylight-responsive automated control and multi-level or ON/OFF manual control of lighting loads. System components communicate over a topology-free and polarity-free modular low voltage digital network that combines power and control wiring in an easily installed labeled and keyed cable. Embodiments according to the system do not require any components to be addressed, manually configured, or programmed (beyond setting the project location and current time and date) for energy code compliance. Manual and after-hours override control is accomplished via local low voltage wall stations or occupancy sensors. Global controllers generally each incorporate an onboard modem and user interface with LCD display, both permitting programming of advanced features, override, system monitoring, and diagnostics.