Emergency Sign Lighting Backup Circuit for AC Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices for emergency instructional signs face reliability issues during power outages, as they either require emergency generators for AC power or have limited battery life and maintenance needs, limiting their effectiveness in emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device with a switch that can be set to either battery backup or AC only mode, using AC power to charge the battery in backup mode and providing battery power when AC is lost, with status indicators to monitor power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lighting devices are connected to AC power source via fixed wires, then power reliability is improved, but the devices cannot operate during power outages without emergency generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AC power input capability with an integrated backup battery system within the lighting device. The battery is electrically connected to the lighting element and can automatically or manually take over when AC power fails, merging two power sources into a single unified system that provides both reliability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating dual power source capability. It can operate from AC power when available and automatically switch to battery power when AC power is lost, making the device adaptable to different power availability conditions without requiring separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting devices use battery power, then operational flexibility is improved, but battery life is limited and requires periodic monitoring and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously charging the battery when AC power is available. This ensures the battery is fully charged and ready for immediate use when AC power fails, eliminating the need for periodic manual monitoring and replacement while maximizing operational duration during outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is maintained in a continuously charged state through automatic charging from AC power when available. This continuous useful action ensures the battery is always ready to provide power, extending its effective operational life and eliminating gaps in functionality that would occur with periodic replacement.
3Reliability
If lighting devices use battery backup, then power continuity during outages is improved, but device complexity increases due to battery monitoring and replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device provides self-service through automatic battery charging when AC power is available. The system autonomously manages its own power supply by charging the battery without requiring external intervention, monitoring, or maintenance, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining power continuity during outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery charge status and automatically control charging operations. This feedback loop ensures the battery is maintained at optimal charge levels without requiring external monitoring, reducing maintenance complexity while ensuring reliable power continuity during outages.
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
Ensures reliable illumination of emergency signs by seamlessly switching to battery power during AC loss, reducing maintenance and ensuring continuous operation without the need for generators.
Implementation Method 1
Other lighting devices are powered by a battery contained within the fixture
Implementation Method 2
The power supply transforms a high voltage AC power signal to a low voltage, low power signal that illuminates the sign
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device controller includes a power supply, a switch, a battery, and a status indicator. The switch can be set to either an AC only or battery backup position, indicating whether the lighting device controller provides a battery backup signal to the lighted sign. When set to the battery backup position, the lighting device controller powers the lighted sign and charges the battery. If AC power is lost while in the battery backup mode, backup power is supplied from the battery to the lighted sign. The status indicators behavior changes as a function of the switch position to indicate whether AC power is present in the AC only mode or in the battery backup mode indicates one color for AC present and battery charging, and provides a second color to indicate battery not present or low.