LED Tube Lighting With Occupancy Sensing for Building Controls
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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 that include sensors and controllers compatible with standard fluorescent tube fixtures, allowing for the transformation of conventional buildings into smart buildings at a lower cost, with features such as occupancy sensing and remote control of HVAC systems.
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 serves multiple functions: it provides illumination, acts as an occupancy sensor through ambient light detection, and serves as a communication node in the building control network. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors and control devices, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube autonomously detects occupancy through its ambient light sensor and automatically transmits occupancy status to the building control system without requiring manual intervention or additional control components, enabling self-service automation
2Extent of automation
If smart building components are used to automatically control environmental characteristics, then automation is improved, but compatibility with standard building fixtures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light tube is designed to fit into standard fluorescent light fixtures while incorporating smart building functionalities. This universal design allows existing standard fixtures to be upgraded to smart components without requiring specialized installation infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube acts as an intermediary device that bridges standard building infrastructure and smart building control systems. It interfaces with existing light fixtures while communicating occupancy data to the building control network, enabling automation without direct modification of standard fixtures
3Ease of operation
If LED-based lighting with sensors is used, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LED light source, ambient light sensor, and control electronics into a single integrated LED light tube assembly. This merging of components simplifies installation by treating the smart lighting unit as a replaceable module rather than requiring separate installation of multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The LED light tube integrates multiple functions (illumination, sensing, communication) into a single universal component that can be installed in standard fixtures, masking the underlying complexity while providing ease of installation
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 infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one LED operable to produce light that passes through the light transmitting portion of the tube
Implementation Method 2
a sensor operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area in a building is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state
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.