Integration of LED lighting with building controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart building systems that automatically control environmental characteristics are typically expensive to manufacture and install, and are not compatible with standard building fixtures, requiring professional installation.
Innovation Solution
LED-based light systems that include a sensor to detect occupancy, an LED controller, and a transmitter to communicate with a regulator, allowing for integration with standard fluorescent light fixtures and enabling cost-effective conversion of conventional buildings into smart buildings by controlling lighting and HVAC systems based on occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If smart building systems are implemented to automatically control environmental characteristics, then energy efficiency and automation are improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple building control functions (lighting control, HVAC control, occupancy sensing, and communication) into a single integrated LED light tube assembly. The LED light tube includes an LED array, driver circuitry, occupancy sensor, and transmitter/receiver components all housed together, allowing it to serve as both a light source and a building automation node, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing illumination, sensing occupancy, controlling lighting output, communicating with building management systems, and regulating HVAC operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, reducing device complexity while achieving automatic environmental control
2Use of energy by moving object
If smart building components are used to control environmental characteristics, then energy efficiency is improved, but installation cost increases due to incompatibility with standard fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube is designed with standard fluorescent fixture compatibility, allowing it to be installed in existing fixtures without modification. The tube includes standard electrical contacts and physical dimensions that match conventional fluorescent fixtures, enabling direct replacement while providing smart building functionality, thereby reducing installation costs while achieving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube acts as an intermediary device that bridges existing standard fixtures and smart building systems. By incorporating wireless communication capabilities and standard electrical interfaces, it enables integration with building automation systems without requiring modifications to the fixture infrastructure, thus reducing installation barriers while enabling energy-efficient control
3Ease of operation
If LED-based light systems with sensors and transmitters are integrated into standard fixtures, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensing, control, and communication functions directly into the LED light tube assembly rather than requiring separate external devices. The occupancy sensor, LED driver, and wireless transmitter are all incorporated within the tube housing, simplifying installation to a single component replacement while achieving sophisticated smart building functionality, thus improving ease of installation without proportionally increasing perceived complexity
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 the transformation of standard buildings into energy-efficient smart buildings at a lower cost, automating environmental control and reducing energy consumption by adjusting lighting and temperature settings based on occupancy, without the need for extensive electrical modifications.
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 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 signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output the signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a building environment regulator.