Multi-Channel LED Control Switch Using Segmented Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light switches and dimmer switches are inadequate for controlling the intensity and color temperature of LED bulbs, which require more complex control signals due to their different operational characteristics compared to incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
Innovation Solution
A user input device with a memory, actuator, and wireless communication interface that generates multiple control signals to adjust the intensity and color temperature of LED bulbs based on user input, using a program that can be wirelessly communicated to the device, allowing for scene-based control and scheduling of light settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light switches or dimmer switches are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to control LED bulb intensity and color temperature is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The switch device is designed to control multiple attributes (intensity and color temperature) of LED bulbs using a single user input, making the device universal for different types of LED control rather than requiring separate controls for each attribute
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal is segmented into multiple independent control signals, where each signal targets a specific attribute (intensity or color temperature) of the LED bulb, allowing the single user input to be distributed across multiple control functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control signals are generated from a single user input, then the control versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with multiple control signals that are generated automatically upon receiving a single user input, eliminating the need for complex real-time processing and reducing the actual device complexity despite the multi-attribute control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses programmed control signal templates that are copied and applied based on user input, rather than generating unique complex control logic for each control scenario, simplifying the controller structure
3Ease of operation
If scene-based control and scheduling are implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Lighting scenes and schedules are pre-configured and stored in the controller memory, allowing users to simply select from pre-defined options rather than manually adjusting multiple parameters, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically applies different pre-programmed control signals based on the selected scene or schedule, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different lighting scenarios without physical reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a memory to store a setting for a load; an actuator to connect power to or disconnect power from the load; a user input device to adjust a first attribute of the load; a wireless communication interface to receive the setting; and a controller to generate a first control signal to set the first attribute and a second control signal to set a second attribute based on adjustment of the first attribute and the setting. A method for determining a first event, the first event associated with a first trigger and a first action; determining to perform the action associated with the first event in response to occurrence of the first trigger; generating a first control signal based on a user input; and generating a second control signal based on a relationship between the first and the second control signals. A method to program a switch.