LED Light Tube Integration for Occupancy-Based Building Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart buildings that automatically control environmental conditions are typically expensive to manufacture and install, and are not compatible with standard building fixtures, requiring professional installation.
Innovation Solution
LED-based lighting systems with sensors and controllers that can be integrated with standard fluorescent fixtures, allowing for low-cost conversion of existing buildings into smart buildings by detecting occupancy and transmitting signals to control HVAC and lighting systems remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If smart building components are used to automatically control environmental characteristics, then automation and energy efficiency are improved, but manufacturing cost and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides illumination through LEDs, detects occupancy through integrated sensors, transmits occupancy data via wireless transmitter, and enables remote control of HVAC systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate smart building components, reducing manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate components (LED light source, occupancy sensor, wireless transmitter, and control circuitry) into a single integrated LED light tube assembly. This merging reduces the number of individual components that need to be manufactured and installed, directly addressing the cost issue while preserving automatic environmental control functionality
2Extent of automation
If smart building components are used to automatically control environmental characteristics, then automation is improved, but installation complexity increases requiring professional electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube serves as both a lighting fixture and a smart building control node, compatible with standard fluorescent fixtures. This universality allows installation using existing fixture infrastructure without requiring specialized smart building installation expertise, reducing installation complexity while maintaining automation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube includes integrated occupancy detection and wireless transmission capabilities, allowing the system to automatically detect and report occupancy status without requiring manual intervention or complex wiring to external sensors. This self-service approach simplifies installation by eliminating the need for separate sensor wiring while maintaining automatic control capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If LED-based lights with sensors and transmitters are integrated into standard fixtures, then compatibility with standard fixtures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube is designed with electrical connectors compatible with standard fluorescent fixtures, allowing it to replace traditional lighting without requiring modifications to existing fixture infrastructure. This universal compatibility approach maintains simplicity by leveraging existing installation standards while integrating advanced sensing and communication functions
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
Enables energy-efficient operation of HVAC and lighting systems, reducing installation costs and enhancing compatibility with standard fixtures, allowing for automatic control of environmental conditions without the need for extensive electrical work.
Implementation Method 1
at least one LED operable to produce light that passes through the light transmitting portion of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
An LED-based light can be installed in a conventional light fixture. The LED-based light can include a sensor operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state, and the LED-based light can also include an LED controller operable to control at least one LED in the light in response to the first signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output a second signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a building environment regulator.