Multi-Color LED Dimmer Switch Single Wire Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dimmer switch systems with multiple dimmers face communication challenges when using a single traveler wire, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies in transmitting dimming status updates.
Innovation Solution
A dimmer switch system where the master dimmer transmits signals during one phase of the power supply and accessory dimmers transmit during another, using a single traveler wire, with both types of dimmers equipped with visual load status indicators that can emit multiple colors, allowing for synchronized color changes based on control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dimmers communicate simultaneously via a single traveler wire, then bidirectional communication capability is achieved, but communication conflicts and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where the master dimmer transmits during one half-cycle of the power supply waveform and accessory dimmers transmit during the opposite half-cycle. This periodic separation of transmission periods eliminates simultaneous access conflicts while maintaining bidirectional communication capability across the single traveler wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication protocol segments the single traveler wire into distinct time slots for master and accessory dimmers. By dividing the communication medium temporally rather than spatially, the system enables multiple devices to share the wire without conflict, resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
2Device complexity
If a single traveler wire is used for communication, then device complexity and installation are reduced, but communication conflicts arise when multiple dimmers transmit simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains the simple single-wire configuration while introducing periodic time-division multiplexing to prevent conflicts. The master dimmer communicates during one half-cycle and accessory dimmers during the opposite half-cycle, ensuring reliable communication without requiring additional wires or complex hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple visual load status indicators are provided across dimmers, then visual feedback capability is improved, but manufacturing and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal multi-color LED indicators in all dimmers that can display multiple colors (e.g., green, yellow, red) to indicate different load status levels. This eliminates the need for different colored LEDs in different dimmer positions, allowing standardization of components and simplifying manufacturing and inventory management while maintaining comprehensive visual feedback capability.
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 enables efficient bidirectional communication and visual indication of dimming levels across multiple dimmers using a single traveler wire, reducing stock and manufacturing complexities while ensuring reliable communication and visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
the master dimmer comprises a first visual load status indicator structured to emit light in a plurality of colors
Data Source
AI summary
A dimmer switch system for dimming a load includes a master dimmer structured to be electrically connected to a power source and the load and to control dimming of the load by regulating power provided from the power source to the load, and at least one accessory dimmer structured to be electrically connected to the master dimmer via a traveler conductor. The master dimmer includes a first visual load status indicator structured to emit light in a plurality of colors. The at least one accessory dimmer includes a second visual load status indicator structured to emit light in a plurality of colors, and is structured to set a color of light emitted by the second visual load status indicator based on a first control signal generated by the master dimmer on the traveler conductor, and to generate a second control signal on the traveler conductor.