LED Luminaire Sensor Deviation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Monitoring and detecting deviations in the operation of luminaires with multiple LED light sources is challenging due to increased short-circuit currents and aging processes, which complicate the identification of faults and categorization of errors, especially when the luminaire regulates light emission.

Innovation Solution

A lamp with multiple sensors that generate sensor signals reflecting luminance, illuminance, or luminous flux, allowing for the detection of deviations by comparing these signals against setpoint values, and utilizing a communication system to categorize and report operational deviations to a control device via a bus system, such as the DALI standard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If multiple LED light sources are used to achieve desired light output, then energy efficiency and controllability are improved, but difficulty in recognizing deviations in operating function increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddifficulty in recognizing deviations in operating function
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the monitoring task into separate sensor units, each responsible for detecting light output from specific LED groups. This segmentation allows individual LED failures or deviations to be detected and isolated, resolving the contradiction by enabling precise monitoring despite the complexity of multiple light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor units as intermediary elements between the LED light sources and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that translate optical output into measurable signals, facilitating the detection of operating deviations without directly monitoring the complex electrical characteristics of multiple LEDs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If LED light sources are monitored remotely to detect malfunctions, then personnel and time requirements are reduced, but complexity of the monitoring system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonnel and time requirementsVSAvoidcomplexity of the monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service monitoring where the sensor units automatically detect and report their own status and the status of connected LED light sources. The system performs self-diagnosis and remote notification without requiring external intervention, thereby reducing personnel and time requirements while keeping the monitoring architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback loop where sensor units continuously monitor light output and provide status information back to the control system and users. This automated feedback mechanism enables remote monitoring and malfunction detection without complex manual inspection procedures, balancing reduced personnel requirements with acceptable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If LED lamps are subject to aging process that changes light output, then operational duration is extended, but measurement precision for detecting deviations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoidmeasurement precision for detecting deviations
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration of sensor units during the manufacturing phase, establishing baseline characteristics for each sensor-LED combination. This preliminary action creates reference data that compensates for aging effects over time, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision throughout the extended operational duration by detecting deviations from the calibrated baseline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effective detection and categorization of operational deviations, including failures and aging of LED light sources, improving fault identification and reducing the need for personnel and time in monitoring, while ensuring accurate reporting of luminaire status.

Implementation Method 1

sensors (20) which generate a sensor signal which reflects a luminance, an illuminance or a luminous flux of the LED lamps (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2584874B1LED light source with supervision
Publication Date: 2015.03.25 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP2584874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2584874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2584874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a luminaire (100) with several LED light sources (10) and several sensors (20) for detecting a sensor signal that represents a luminance, an illuminance or a luminous flux of the LED light sources (10), a deviation of an operating function, in particular the failure of one or more LED light sources (10), is detected on the basis of a comparison of the sensor signals.