Emergency Lighting Fixture Test Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Emergency lighting fixtures lack the ability to configure the timing of self-diagnostic tests, leading to potential disruptions during unsuitable times, such as during events like movie showings.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a processor and clock within the emergency lighting fixture that is configurable via a user interface, allowing users to set the timing for tests, ensuring they occur at more convenient times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If emergency lighting fixtures conduct self-diagnostic tests automatically at fixed intervals, then testing reliability is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates due to potential disruptions during events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting reliabilityVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the test timing adjustable rather than fixed. The processor allows users to modify the start timer value through the user interface, enabling the testing schedule to adapt to different operational requirements and event timings, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable testing and operational convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of test timing from a fixed interval to a configurable parameter. Users can modify the start timer value based on their specific needs, allowing the system to maintain testing reliability while avoiding disruptions during important events through parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If emergency lighting fixtures perform monthly and annual tests at fixed times, then compliance with building codes is improved, but disruption to building operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode complianceVSAvoiddisruption to building operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts test timing based on operational requirements. Users can configure the start timer to schedule tests at times that minimize disruption to building operations, while still meeting the required monthly and annual testing intervals for code compliance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows preliminary configuration of test timing through the user interface before actual testing occurs. Users can pre-set the start timer value to avoid disruptive times, such as during events or peak operational hours, while ensuring compliance with building codes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10416243B2Test configuration for emergency lighting fixtures

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 ABL IP HLDG LLC

AI summary

Aspects are described for a test configuration for emergency lighting fixtures. In one example, a light fixture includes a lighting element, a battery, a clock, and a processor. The processor is configurable via a user interface. The processor is configured to test the light fixture. The testing includes illuminating the lighting element for a predetermined duration using the battery as a power source. The testing is initiated by a timer that uses the clock. The processor of the light fixture receives input, via the user interface, adjusting a value for the start timer. Based on the start timer expiring, the processor initiates a test of the light fixture for the predetermined duration. The processor further indicates a result of the test via the user interface. Based on the test being successful, the processor resets the start timer.