Lighting Fixture Control Module With Sensor PCB and Antenna Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of load control systems in user environments, such as residences or office buildings, leads to increased network traffic and inefficiencies due to the large number of devices communicating via RF signals, resulting in delayed control responses to sensed information.
Innovation Solution
A control module attached to lighting fixtures, equipped with daylight and occupancy sensors, a wireless communication circuit, and a loop antenna, which reduces RF interference and enables efficient communication through a communication bus, allowing for direct control of lighting loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices and load control devices are installed separately in a load control system, then the system can provide comprehensive control functions (lighting control, motorized window treatments, HVAC control), but the device complexity increases and the aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (lighting control, occupancy sensing, daylight sensing, motorized window treatment control, and HVAC control) into a single integrated control module that attaches to the lighting fixture. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: it controls lighting loads, senses occupancy, measures daylight levels, controls motorized window treatments, and interfaces with HVAC systems. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Ease of operation
If multiple devices communicate via RF signals in a load control system, then wireless control flexibility is achieved, but network traffic increases causing communication delays and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The control module acts as an intermediary device that receives RF commands from remote control devices and translates them into direct control actions on the lighting load through wired connections. This intermediary approach reduces network traffic by minimizing the number of RF communication hops needed to control loads, thereby reducing communication delays while maintaining wireless control flexibility
3Device complexity
If a loop antenna is placed on a PCB attached to a metal lighting fixture, then compact design is achieved, but RF signal transmission may be interfered with by metal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the loop antenna from direct contact with the metal lighting fixture by positioning it on the PCB within the control module housing. The plastic housing and internal PCB structure act as barriers that isolate the antenna from metal interference, allowing compact design while mitigating RF signal interference from the metal fixture
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
The control module simplifies the load control system by integrating sensors and communication functions, reducing network traffic and enhancing the speed of control responses, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The loop antenna may be located on the main PCB such that at least a portion of transmit/receive portions of the loop antenna are located within a plastic lip of the front cover portion of the control module when the control module is attached to a metal lighting fixture
Implementation Method 2
the front cover portion may include a light pipe configured to receive daylight for the daylight sensing circuit
Implementation Method 3
a lens configured to receive infrared energy for the occupancy sensing circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A control module attached to a lighting fixture and having a front cover portion may comprise one or more sensors, such as a daylight and/or occupancy sensor, for sensing information through the front cover portion. The control module may have a main printed circuit board (PCB) that extends from a front side to a rear side of the control module, and a sensor PCB perpendicular to the main PCB to enable at least one sensor attached to the sensor PCB to face the front side of the control module. The main PCB may comprise a wireless communication circuit and an antenna for communicating radio frequency (RF) signals, wherein at least a portion of the antenna is located within a plastic lip of the front cover portion of the control module. The control module may further have a conductive enclosure to reduce radio-frequency interference noise from coupling into the antenna.