Dual-Core Dimmer Switch for Hubless AC Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart lighting solutions for AC-powered lights require expensive hubs or bridges, are prone to flickering and buzzing, and often lose wireless connections, making them complex and costly to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A light-dimming apparatus with a dual-core microcontroller unit, including WiFi and Bluetooth modules, an AC-to-DC converter, and a dimmer module that detects zero-crossing signals to modulate power, allowing for remote dimming without the need for additional hubs and ensuring stable connectivity and reduced flickering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wirelessly connected smart lightbulbs are used, then remote control capability is achieved, but the cost increases significantly and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless control functionality from the lightbulb itself and places it in a separate dimmer switch device. The dimmer switch contains the WiFi module and microcontroller, while the lightbulb remains a simple incandescent or LED bulb without embedded electronics. This separation eliminates the need for expensive smart bulbs while maintaining remote control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimmer switch as an intermediary device between the power source and the lightbulb. This dimmer switch serves as a mediator that provides wireless control functionality, phase-cut dimming, and hub-less connectivity, simplifying both installation and operation while eliminating the need for expensive smart bulbs or central hub devices.
2Ease of operation
If smart lightbulbs with wireless connectivity are used, then remote control is enabled, but the cost of the lightbulbs increases three to four times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expensive wireless control electronics from the lightbulb and relocates them to a separate dimmer switch. This allows users to keep inexpensive standard lightbulbs while still achieving remote control functionality through the dimmer switch, which is purchased only once per lighting circuit rather than for each bulb.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimmer switch serves multiple functions: it provides wireless control via WiFi, enables phase-cut dimming for both incandescent and LED bulbs, acts as a local hub for multiple bulbs on the same circuit, and offers remote monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing overall cost.
3Ease of operation
If wirelessly connected outlets or switches are used, then remote dimming is achieved, but connection stability deteriorates and manual resetting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer switch continuously monitors its WiFi connection status and automatically attempts to maintain connectivity. When connection issues occur, the system provides feedback through the mobile application to notify the user, but does not require manual resetting. The automatic connection management and monitoring ensure stable operation without intervention.
4Reliability
If professional installation is required for dimmer switches, then reliability may improve, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting control function from the lightbulb and places it in a standalone dimmer switch that can be installed at the circuit breaker panel or in a convenient location. This segmentation allows the dimmer to control multiple bulbs throughout the home from a single location, simplifying installation compared to replacing individual wall switches, and eliminates the need for professional electrical work in many cases.
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, reliable, and stable remote dimming of AC-powered lights across various fixtures without the need for expensive hubs, reducing flickering and maintaining connectivity, thus improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an AC-to-DC converter configured to transform alternating current from the power source into direct current to power the microcontroller unit and electronic components
Implementation Method 2
a dimmer module configured to detect zero-crossing signals from the AC power source and modulate power delivery to the lighting load based on received dimming commands
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods for remotely dimming lights are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light-dimming apparatus for placement within a lighting enclosure of a lighting fixture is disclosed. The light-dimming apparatus can comprise an AC live input terminal, an AC neutral input terminal, an AC live output terminal, an AC neutral output terminal, a dimmer module, and a microcontroller unit comprising a plurality of wireless communication modules, a first processor core, and a second processor core. The first processor core can be programmed to execute instructions to receive a dimming command from another device via at least one of the plurality of wireless communication modules and the second processor core can be programmed to execute further instructions to receive zero-crossing signals from the dimmer module and transmit switching signals to the dimmer module to modulate the power supplied to the lighting load to dim the brightness of the lighting load.