LED Lighting with Integrated Occupancy Sensing for Building Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart building technologies that automatically control environmental conditions in buildings are typically expensive to manufacture and install, and are not compatible with standard building fixtures, requiring professional installation.
Innovation Solution
LED-based lighting systems that are compatible with standard fluorescent tube fixtures, equipped with sensors and controllers to detect occupancy and transmit signals for controlling temperature and lighting, allowing for the conversion of standard buildings into smart buildings at a lower cost.
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
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube serves multiple functions: it provides illumination, detects occupancy through integrated sensors, controls lighting through embedded controllers, and communicates with HVAC systems via transmitters. 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 sensors, controllers, and transmitters directly into the LED light tube assembly. This merging of components into a single integrated unit reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and installed, thereby lowering costs while achieving automatic environmental control
2Extent of automation
If smart building components are used to automatically control environmental characteristics, then automation is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube is designed to fit into standard fluorescent fixtures while providing smart building functionality. This universal design allows installation in existing fixtures without requiring specialized installation procedures or professional electricians, reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube is designed for easy replacement by end-users following simple instructions, without requiring professional installation. The self-service aspect reduces installation complexity by making the system accessible to non-experts
3Adaptability or versatility
If LED-based lights with sensors and controllers are integrated into standard fixtures, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube maintains physical compatibility with standard fluorescent fixtures while incorporating sensors, controllers, and transmitters. This universal design achieves adaptability without requiring custom fixtures, managing complexity through standardized mechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube is designed as a modular replacement for fluorescent tubes, maintaining standard dimensions and connector types. This segmentation approach allows the complex internal electronics to be contained within a standardized external form factor, achieving compatibility while managing internal 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 energy-efficient operation of HVAC and lighting systems by automatically adjusting based on occupancy, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for manual control, while being easily integrated into existing fixtures, thus lowering installation costs and enhancing compatibility.
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.