Lamp with Battery Backup for Emergency Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup lighting solutions for power outages are either overly complex, costly, or do not meet building code requirements, and lack aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A novel lamp with battery backup capability, featuring a housing with a first base for AC mains and a second base for non-switched emergency mains, a battery charge controller, an AC mains driver, an emergency driver, and an LED array, which automatically switches between AC and battery power based on availability, ensuring continuous lighting during outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional backup lighting techniques are used, then backup lighting capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emergency lighting function with a standard lamp replacement, integrating the battery backup system into the lamp housing itself. This merging of functions allows the lamp to serve both as normal lighting and emergency backup lighting, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamp is designed with dual functionality: it operates as a standard lamp during normal power conditions and automatically switches to emergency lighting mode during power outages. The single lamp unit performs multiple functions (normal lighting, battery charging, emergency lighting), replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
2Reliability
If traditional backup lighting techniques are used, then backup lighting capability is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp automatically charges its internal battery during normal operation whenever power is available, eliminating the need for manual intervention or separate charging equipment. The system self-manages power storage and retrieval, reducing installation and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the battery, charge controller, and emergency lighting circuitry into the lamp housing itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate emergency lighting equipment and complex installation procedures. The lamp replaces traditional bulbs while providing built-in backup capability, significantly reducing installation costs.
3Reliability
If battery backup capability is added to lamps, then emergency lighting reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the battery pack and control circuitry within the lamp housing, nesting the emergency lighting components inside the existing lamp structure. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions (battery storage, charging control, emergency lighting) within a compact form factor, minimizing structural complexity while maximizing functionality.
4Ease of operation
If automatic power switching is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp automatically detects power outages and switches between mains power and battery power without user intervention. The control system continuously monitors power availability and autonomously manages the switching process, providing seamless operation while keeping the control circuitry simple through automated decision-making logic.
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 lamp provides reliable and aesthetically pleasing emergency lighting that meets regulatory standards, ensuring sufficient illumination for egress during power failures while being cost-effective and easy to install, with the battery pack capable of powering the LED array for at least 90 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
a battery pack (52) in electrical communication with the battery charge controller. The battery pack is charged by the battery charge controller
Implementation Method 2
an LED array (40) in electrical communication with the AC mains driver and the emergency driver
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp includes a first pair of primary electrical contacts configured to be electrically connected to a AC mains, a second pair of primary electrical contacts configured to be electrically connected to a non-switched emergency mains, and a battery charge controller in electrical communication with the second pair of electrical contacts. The lamp also includes a battery pack in electrical communication with the battery charge controller, an AC mains driver electrically connected to the first pair of primary electrical contacts, an emergency driver electrically connected to the battery pack, and an LED array in electrical communication with the AC mains driver and the emergency driver.