Floor Lamp PLC Asynchronous Light Dimming Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor lamp control systems dim direct and indirect light sources synchronously, leading to decreased operating efficiency and increased energy consumption, as the more efficient direct light is dimmed alongside less efficient indirect light to maintain target brightness, resulting in suboptimal energy balance and potential over-illumination issues.
Innovation Solution
A programmable logic controller asynchronously controls direct and indirect light sources with a switch-on delay, dimming the indirect light first to 40% and then the direct light, allowing the direct light to remain at 100% until both are dimmed together, optimizing energy usage and reducing standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If direct and indirect light sources are dimmed synchronously to maintain target brightness, then illumination consistency is improved, but operating efficiency deteriorates and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light sources into two distinct groups: direct light sources and indirect light sources. Each group is controlled independently by separate control circuits that can dim them asynchronously. This segmentation allows the system to optimize energy consumption by dimming indirect lights first while maintaining direct lights at higher intensity, rather than dimming all lights synchronously as in conventional systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If dimming level is increased to reduce light output, then energy consumption is reduced, but operating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different dimming characteristics to different light source types. Direct light sources, which have higher operating efficiency, are maintained at higher intensity levels longer during the dimming process. Indirect light sources, which are less efficient, are dimmed first to lower levels. This localized differentiation of dimming strategies optimizes overall system efficiency while achieving energy reduction.
3Device complexity
If all LED lamps are dimmed synchronously from 100% to 3-0%, then control simplicity is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates at high dimming levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control by implementing asynchronous dimming where direct and indirect light sources are dimmed at different rates and to different target levels. The control system dynamically adjusts the dimming progression based on light source type, allowing direct lights to maintain higher intensity longer than indirect lights. This dynamic approach optimizes system efficiency while managing complexity through programmable control logic.
4Use of energy by moving object
If standby power is reduced by cutting power supply to control gear, then energy savings are improved, but control responsiveness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a relay contact to periodically disconnect and reconnect power supply to the control gear. The relay cuts power during standby periods to eliminate parasitic power consumption, and reconnects when lighting control is needed. This periodic power cycling achieves significant energy savings while maintaining control functionality when required.
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 approach achieves energy savings of over 10-30% compared to conventional systems by extending the operation of more efficient direct light sources and minimizing inrush current peaks, while ensuring consistent illumination and reducing standby power.
Implementation Method 1
the control unit can be dimmed using a manual button on the control unit, external buttons connected to the control unit or a wireless digital interface with an external operating device
Implementation Method 2
After a time delay, the control unit disconnects the power supply to the control gear via a relay contact
Implementation Method 3
the new light sources such as LED lamps or OLED lamps can emit the light more specifically in a defined direction, as they usually only emit the light at a maximum angle of 120-180°
Data Source
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AI summary
The programmable logic controller (PLC) of floor lamps is designed for at least two light sources, allowing for asynchronous control and regulation. Depending on the available daylight, the less efficient indirect light component is dimmed first, down to 40% of the light output. Only then is the more efficient direct light component dimmed from 100% to 0%, along with the indirect light component, which is dimmed from 40% to 0%, and finally switched off.