Dual Dimming Modular Light System Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems require multiple fixtures for different dimming sources, such as AC and DC, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for installers who need to carry and switch between them.

Innovation Solution

A dual-dimming lighting system that incorporates a controller capable of receiving and processing both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) dimming signals, allowing for a single system to operate with various dimming inputs, including 0-10V DC and 120V AC, and utilizing a combiner to convert and filter signals for LED light-emitting devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lighting systems use separate fixtures for AC and DC dimming sources, then each fixture can be optimized for its specific dimming type, but installers must carry and switch between multiple fixtures, increasing installation complexity and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different dimming sourcesVSAvoidnumber of different fixtures required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting fixture incorporates a universal controller capable of receiving and processing both AC dimming signals (including leading-edge and trailing-edge trimmers) and DC dimming signals (0-10V and PWM). This multi-functional controller eliminates the need for separate AC-only and DC-only fixtures, allowing a single fixture type to serve multiple dimming source types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate AC dimming circuitry and DC dimming circuitry into a single integrated controller unit. The controller includes dedicated processing paths for both AC and DC signals, merging their functions while maintaining independent signal handling capabilities. This consolidation reduces the number of fixtures needed and simplifies installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If installers use multiple specialized fixtures for different dimming types, then each fixture can be precisely tuned for its specific application, but installation time and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidtime to carry and switch between fixtures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By equipping each fixture with a universal controller that handles both AC and DC dimming, installers need to carry only one type of fixture regardless of the dimming source type. This eliminates time spent identifying, selecting, and switching between different fixture types during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the controller processes both AC and DC dimming signals, then a single fixture can serve multiple applications, but the controller design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceptance of multiple dimming signal typesVSAvoidcontroller circuit design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is segmented into distinct processing paths: an AC dimming processing section that handles AC signals through rectification and filtering, and a DC dimming processing section that handles 0-10V and PWM signals directly. Each section is optimized for its signal type, reducing cross-interference and simplifying individual circuit designs while maintaining overall versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses intermediary conversion circuits that translate different dimming signal types into a common internal control format. AC signals are converted to DC through rectification, and all dimming commands are normalized to a standard control voltage or digital signal that the LED driver can process uniformly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a single lighting system to adapt to different dimming sources, reducing the need for multiple fixtures and improving installation efficiency by allowing the same system to function with either AC or DC dimming, thus saving time and resources.

Implementation Method 1

converting the second dimming signal from a pulse-width modulation signal into a digital pulse-width modulation signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulse-width modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

filtering the converted signal using a voltage follower to generate the second modified signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage follower filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

rectifying the second dimming signal before converting the second dimming signal from the digital signal to the analog signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11889597B2Dual dimming modular light system

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 TIVOLI INC

AI summary

A light fixture of a light system is configured to be dimmable using a dimming signal that is either a direct-current (DC) dimming signal or an alternating-current (AC) dimming signal. For example, a 0-10 volt DC dimming signal could be used, or a 120 volt AC dimming signal could be used. A dimming controller in the light fixture is configured to receive both a DC and an AC dimming signals and adjust a brightness and/or color of a light based on the dimming signal.