Intelligent lighting control system temperature control apparatuses, systems, and methods

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home lighting control systems are often complex and require expert installation, with smart light bulbs being limited by the light switch and fixture they are associated with, and lack efficient temperature control integration.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control system that includes temperature sensors to detect and adjust heating and cooling systems based on temperature readings, with a processor to modulate energy flow for temperature control and occupancy detection, allowing for automated and intelligent lighting adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If smart light bulbs are used with existing light switches and fixtures, then lighting control functionality is added, but the smart light bulbs become inoperable when the light switch is turned off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control functionalityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the control functionality from the traditional light switch and relocates it to the smart light bulb itself. The smart light bulb includes an integrated controller that can independently control the lighting output without being dependent on the external light switch state, thereby maintaining operational reliability while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the smart light bulb and the lighting control system. This wireless communication module allows the smart light bulb to receive control signals and report status independently of the physical light switch connection, resolving the conflict between adaptability and operational reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If automated home lighting control systems with central hubs are installed, then lighting automation and control capabilities are enhanced, but the system becomes complex and requires expert installation and operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting automation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting control functionality into distributed smart light bulbs, each with its own controller and sensors. This eliminates the need for a complex central hub by distributing intelligence to individual units, thereby maintaining high automation capability while reducing overall system complexity and installation requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The smart light bulb incorporates self-contained control logic and environmental sensors that enable it to automatically adjust lighting based on detected conditions without requiring complex external control systems. This self-service capability maintains automation while simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If temperature sensors are integrated into light control modules, then temperature control and lighting control are combined, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control integrationVSAvoidlight control module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the existing light control module by integrating a temperature sensor into the same housing and control circuitry. This combination allows simultaneous control of lighting and temperature using a single device, achieving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3510839B1Intelligent lighting control system temperature control apparatuses, systems, and methods
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 RACEPOINT ENERGY LLC
  • EP3510839B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3510839B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3510839B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system. The lighting control system detects a temperature reading from a temperature sensor of each light control module in a plurality of light control modules. Each light control module in the plurality of light control modules is configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the respective lighting control module. The lighting control system controls at least one of a heating and an air conditioning system to adjust heating or cooling based on the temperatures detected by the temperature sensor of the light control module.