LED Lamp Control Circuit for Sensor Retrofit and Dimming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting control systems face challenges in retrofitting sensors due to the need for additional installation space and galvanic isolation, especially when the operating device is inaccessible, and require long cables or communication channels for ambient brightness and presence detection.

Innovation Solution

A control device that generates a voltage from a constant current supplied by the operating device to power its control means, allowing direct connection to the lighting system without additional power outputs or interfaces, enabling simple and cost-effective retrofitting by short-circuiting output connectors to control LED lighting and using pulse width modulation for dimming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are added to detect ambient brightness or presence, then lighting control functionality is improved, but additional installation space and circuit complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control functionalityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor module with the existing operating device housing, merging multiple functions (lighting control, sensing, and power supply) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate sensor installations and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced lighting control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the lighting power supply and the sensor housing, detecting both ambient brightness and presence while controlling the lighting means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are installed near lighting means for accurate detection, then detection precision is improved, but long cables or additional communication channels are necessary when lighting means is far from operating device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcable length
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is nested within the operating device housing, creating a compact integrated unit. This nesting eliminates the need for long external cables or communication channels, as the sensors are positioned close to the lighting means while the processing unit remains in the operating device, reducing cable length and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate output for sensor or compatible bus system is provided at operating device, then sensor retrofitting is enabled, but additional installation space and interface complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module integrates directly into the operating device housing, combining the sensing functionality with the existing power supply unit. This merger eliminates the need for separate sensor outputs or additional bus system interfaces, reducing installation space requirements while maintaining sensor compatibility and retrofitting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces the need for additional wiring and interfaces, allowing for compact design and easy integration into existing systems, enabling efficient switching and dimming of LED lighting without requiring separate outputs or interfaces at the operating device, thus simplifying the retrofitting process.

Implementation Method 1

a circuit configured to generate, from a constant current that is generated by the operating device for driving the lighting means, a voltage for supplying the control means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

enabling efficient switching and dimming of LED lighting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from LED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

using pulse width modulation for dimming

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse width modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3311634B1Lamp control unit, lighting device and lighting system
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3311634B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3311634B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3311634B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control device comprising at least one input connector (x1, x2) configured to electrically connect an operating device (1) for driving lighting means (3a, 3b), and at least one output connector (x3, x4, x5) configured to electrically connect at least one of the lighting means (3a, 3b), a control means (4) configured to switch the lighting means (3a, 3b) based on a control signal, and a circuit (5) configured to generate voltage for supplying the control means (4) from a constant current that is generated from the operating device (1) for driving the lighting means (3a, 3b).