Emergency Light Module with Galvanic Isolation Relays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current emergency lighting systems are bulky, non-adjustable, and have questionable redundancy and security, with complex switching procedures, and existing solutions either require cumbersome power voltage switching or elaborate communication methods, which are inefficient and pose safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

An emergency light module with a mains connection, battery connection, DC-DC converter, converter isolating relay, mains isolating relay, and electronic controller that detects network status and generates switch-on sequences to automatically switch emergency lights to mains-supplied state during emergencies, eliminating the need for additional communication buses or power modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional LPS systems with multiple circuits are used to ensure redundancy, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the LPS into multiple independent modules, each with its own battery and circuit. This allows redundancy to be achieved through modular addition rather than complex interconnections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each module is designed as a universal unit that can function independently or in combination with others. The standardized interface and identical functionality of each module simplify the overall system architecture, making it easier to scale while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If LED technology is used to reduce power output, then energy efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing LPS systems decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The module incorporates dynamic power management that adjusts output based on operational mode (normal or emergency). During normal operation, lower power LED output is used for energy efficiency, while during emergency operation, the full power capability is activated to ensure compatibility with existing LPS system requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (power output level) depending on the operational state. This allows the same LED module to operate efficiently at lower power during normal conditions while maintaining full compatibility with LPS emergency power requirements when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automatic switching between operating modes is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching automationVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module automatically detects its operational state (normal or emergency power supply) and switches modes without external control signals. This self-service capability provides automatic operation while keeping the control logic simple and integrated within the module itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Volume of stationary object

If modular design is used to reduce installation size, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidmodule integration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into standardized modular units with defined interfaces. This segmentation allows for compact installation while using standardized connection protocols that reduce the precision requirements for field installation, as the modules are designed to be assembled with standard tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 allows for a modular, efficient, and safe emergency lighting system that adjusts power output to match needs, automatically switches lights to emergency mode without battery power consumption, and ensures redundancy without complex hardware or communication, thus improving safety and reducing installation size.

Implementation Method 1

a DC-DC converter for converting a battery voltage present at the battery connection into a uniform converter output voltage for supplying the emergency light module output in emergency operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Implementation Method 2

Converter isolating relay for galvanic isolation of the converter output voltage from the emergency light module output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic isolation:

Implementation Method 3

Mains isolation relay for galvanic isolation of the mains connection from the emergency light module output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic isolation:

Implementation Method 4

a charger for charging a battery connected to the battery connection when the emergency light module is operated from the mains

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3651313B1Emergency light building block, emergency lighting system and emergency lighting element
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 POLYNOM
  • EP3651313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3651313B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

An emergency lighting module (1) for an emergency lighting system comprises: • a mains connection (3) and an emergency lighting module output (2) for powering emergency lights; • a charger (11); • means for determining the mains state at the mains connection (3); • a DC-DC converter (8) for supplying the emergency lighting module output (2) with energy from a battery in emergency operation; • converter isolation relays (9a, 9b) for galvanic isolation of the converter output voltage (13) from the emergency lighting module output (2); • mains isolation relays (10a, 10b) for galvanic isolation of the mains connection (3) from the emergency lighting module output (2); • an electronic control unit (7) which monitors the mains state and controls a switchover from mains to emergency operation; • means for detecting an external emergency state as a result of emergency operation of another emergency lighting module or as a result of a fault condition of a monitored voltage at another emergency lighting module;The emergency lighting module (1) is configured to generate a switch-on sequence by varying the output voltage at the emergency lighting module output (2) when the external emergency condition is detected, and to generate the switch-on sequence using the DC-DC converter (8).