Controllable Light Strip Modules with Sensor-Based Addressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light band systems require complex and costly commissioning processes, are inflexible in adapting light output to daylight conditions, and consume excessive energy due to static setup and lack of presence-based control.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensor units at the ends of the light band for real-time parameter measurement and processing, enabling individual control of light modules based on daylight, presence, and environmental conditions, with a processing and control unit for automatic addressing and energy consumption monitoring, and allowing wireless communication for flexible control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual addressing and commissioning of trunking modules is used, then unique module addresses can be assigned for control, but the commissioning process becomes complex and cost-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule addressing accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trunking modules automatically determine their own module addresses through self-addressing functionality. Each module autonomously identifies its position in the series connection and assigns itself an address without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying the commissioning process while ensuring reliable addressing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic addressing during the initial power-up sequence before any control operations begin. The module addresses are determined and stored in advance, allowing the lighting control system to immediately control modules without requiring subsequent manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If static setup of trunking systems is used, then installation is straightforward, but flexible adaptation of light output to actual lighting conditions is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidlight output adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trunking system incorporates dynamic adaptability by continuously measuring ambient light conditions using integrated light sensors and automatically adjusting the light output of individual modules in response to changing environmental conditions, while maintaining simple installation through standardized modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses light sensors to continuously measure ambient lighting conditions and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the light output of trunking modules accordingly. This closed-loop control enables flexible adaptation to actual lighting conditions while maintaining straightforward installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If external daylight measuring units are used, then daylight course can be recorded, but the system requires complex installation and trained personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedaylight measurement accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The daylight measurement functionality is merged directly into the trunking modules themselves rather than requiring separate external measuring units. The light sensors are integrated within the modular lighting system, eliminating the need for additional external devices and complex installation procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trunking modules serve multiple functions: they provide lighting, contain integrated light sensors for measuring ambient conditions, and include control electronics for automatic adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external measuring units and simplifies the overall system installation while maintaining precise daylight measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Illumination intensity

If continuous light output is provided, then lighting coverage is comprehensive, but energy consumption is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the light output of individual trunking modules based on real-time ambient light measurements. Modules located in areas with sufficient natural light reduce or eliminate their output, while modules in darker areas maintain or increase output, thereby providing comprehensive lighting coverage only where needed and significantly reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different trunking modules operate with different light output levels based on their local environmental conditions. Each module independently adjusts its illumination intensity according to the ambient light conditions in its specific location, allowing comprehensive coverage in dark areas while conserving energy in well-lit areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3203814B1Light strip system with multiple controllable light strip modules
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
  • EP3203814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3203814B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3203814B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a light strip system comprising several controllable light strip modules (40) connected in series to form a light strip (10); at least one first sensor unit (20) arranged at a first position of the light strip (10) and a second sensor unit (30) arranged at a second position of the light strip (10), wherein at least two controllable light strip modules (40) are arranged between the sensor units (20, 30); at least one processing and control unit connected to the sensor units (20, 30) such that at least one parameter detected by each of the sensor units (20, 30) can be transmitted to the processing and control unit, and wherein the processing and control unit is connected at least to the light strip modules (40) arranged between the sensor units (20, 30) in order to control them;wherein at least one processing and control unit determines values ​​for individual control of at least the light strip modules (40) arranged between the sensor units (20, 30) based on the parameters detected by the sensor units (20, 30) and individually controls at least these light strip modules (40) according to the determined values.