Egress Light Self-Testing Module for Remote Power Disconnect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing egress lighting systems powered by remote back-up power sources face challenges in detecting and alerting to power disconnects, component failures, and ambient lighting luminaire failures, which can prevent the egress lighting from functioning when needed.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an operational self-testing module and an alerting module that can detect power disconnects and component failures, and alert authorities, using locally generated power from ambient lighting sources, such as photovoltaic cells, to operate these modules even when the primary power is disconnected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a remote power source is used to power egress light sources, then the power supply duration is extended and maintenance requirements are reduced, but the ability to detect power disconnects and component failures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply durationVSAvoidfailure detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the ambient lighting luminaire's own power supply to test and monitor the egress lighting circuit. The ambient luminaire powers a testing module that actively checks for power disconnects and component failures in the egress lighting path, allowing the system to self-diagnose without requiring separate external testing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The testing module continuously monitors the egress lighting circuit and provides feedback about the status of power delivery. When a disconnect or failure is detected, the system generates an alert signal that communicates the fault condition back to building management or maintenance personnel, enabling timely response to potential egress lighting failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If egress light conductors are placed in the same conduit as ambient lighting conductors, then material and labor costs are reduced, but the complexity of detecting power disconnects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation costVSAvoidconductor isolation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the ambient lighting and egress lighting conductor paths into a single conduit infrastructure, reducing installation complexity and costs. The testing module leverages this combined pathway by using the ambient lighting power supply to actively test the egress lighting circuit through the shared conduit, turning the potential complexity into a simplified unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ambient lighting luminaire serves multiple functions: it provides ambient illumination, powers the egress lighting during normal operation, and acts as a testing station for monitoring egress lighting circuit integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate testing infrastructure and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If an integral power supply is used in the egress light source, then the system is simpler and more reliable, but the power supply duration is limited and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidpower supply duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the power supply functions by separating the ambient lighting power supply (continuous, maintenance-free) from the egress lighting power needs. The remote power source provides extended duration power for egress lighting without requiring it to be integrated into the luminaire, while the ambient luminaire remains a simple, reliable unit that also performs testing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ambient lighting luminaire acts as an intermediary between the building's power infrastructure and the egress lighting system. It receives power from the building, stores/conditions it, and then delivers it to both the egress light source and the testing module, enabling extended operation while maintaining system simplicity.

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

This solution enables continuous monitoring and alerting of potential egress lighting failures, ensuring that the egress lighting system remains functional and safe by detecting and reporting issues before they lead to system failure.

Implementation Method 1

using locally generated power from ambient lighting sources, such as photovoltaic cells, to operate these modules even when the primary power is disconnected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12266968B1Self-powered testing and alerting module for a remotely powered egress light source

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 EXPOSURE ILLUMINATION ARCHITECTS INC

AI summary

A self-powered testing and alerting module for an egress light source that is coupled to an ambient lighting luminaire or mounted in the vicinity of the ambient lighting luminaire wherein both the egress and the ambient light sources are configured to receive their power from different remote power sources.