Light Control Device with Proximity and Motion Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic light control systems often fail to turn off lights when a user is still present in a room or keep them on unnecessarily after the door is closed, leading to energy wastage, and require professional installation, making them impractical for retrofitting in existing spaces.

Innovation Solution

A light control system comprising an LED light strip and a light control device with a proximity sensor and rechargeable battery pack, allowing for easy installation and automatic control of the light strip based on the position or motion of a door, enabling user calibration and integration with home automation systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a motion detector is used for automatic light control, then the light can be controlled automatically, but the light may stay on unnecessarily after the user closes the door, resulting in energy wastage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic light controlVSAvoidenergy wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the control function into two independent parts: a proximity sensor that detects door position and a motion sensor that detects user presence. This segmentation allows the controller to distinguish between door opening events and user presence, enabling the light to turn off when the door closes even if the user is still in the room, thus eliminating energy wastage while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from both the proximity sensor (door position) and motion sensor (user presence) to dynamically control the light. The controller continuously monitors both signals and adjusts the light state accordingly, turning off the light when the door closes and no motion is detected, thereby preventing energy wastage while maintaining automatic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If an automatic door jamb switch is installed to solve energy wastage, then energy efficiency improves, but the installation requires a qualified electrician and professional installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a battery-powered portable unit that can be easily installed and operated without professional electricians. The proximity sensor and motion sensor are integrated into a self-contained controller that automatically detects door position and user presence, eliminating the need for complex wiring and professional installation while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the traditional mechanical door jamb switch with electronic sensors (proximity sensor and motion sensor) that can detect door position and user presence without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical installation. This substitution enables easy installation while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If a motion detector is used for automatic light control, then the light control is automated, but the system cannot distinguish between user presence and door motion, leading to inaccurate control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic light controlVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the detection function into two independent sensors: a proximity sensor that detects door position and a motion sensor that detects user presence. This segmentation allows the controller to distinguish between door opening events and user presence, improving detection accuracy while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that processes signals from both the proximity sensor and motion sensor. By analyzing the combination of these signals, the controller accurately determines whether the light should be turned on or off, distinguishing between door motion and user presence with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system effectively turns lights on and off based on user presence and door activity, optimizing energy use and simplifying installation, while allowing for customizable lighting modes and integration with existing home automation systems.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity sensor configured to detect a position of a door in a vicinity of the entranceway

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

a battery pack removably installed in the housing and including a rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11284496B2Light control devices and light control systems
Publication Date: 2022.03.22 LUMINOOK LIGHTING LLC
  • US11284496B2 patent drawing
  • US11284496B2 patent drawing
  • US11284496B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light control system comprises a light control device and a sensor module configured to detect a motion pattern of a user's hand relative to the entranceway and a light control device. The light control device includes a housing, a proximity sensor configured to detect a position of a door in a vicinity of the entranceway, and a light controller disposed in the housing and communicated with the sensor module and the proximity sensor. The light controller is configured to control the light strip in response to a detected position of the door by the proximity sensor; and control the light strip in response to the motion pattern detected by the sensor module when the door is not detected at a preset opening position or no door is present at the entranceway.