Building Lighting Contactor for Presence Detection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems require complex and costly installations with additional cables and wires to control lights based on presence detection, leading to overloading of internal relays and increased cabling needs.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system with a contactor placed in the supply line between the sub-distribution board and the lighting system, allowing person sensors to control the lights without needing to route cables to the sub-distribution board, and using radio connections to a controller for activation, reducing cabling and allowing integration with LMS/BMS systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contactor is installed in the central distribution board to control luminaires based on motion detection, then the internal relay of the person sensor is protected from overloading, but additional cables and wires must be installed between the distribution board and the lighting system, increasing installation complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelay protectionVSAvoidcabling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new intermediary device (contactor with integrated communication module) that acts as a mediator between the person sensor and the lighting system. This device receives control signals via wireless communication (RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other digital protocols) from the person sensor or central control system, and switches the lighting load accordingly. The integrated communication module eliminates the need for complex wired connections between the distribution board and control devices, while the contactor's high-power switching capability protects the person sensor's internal relay from overloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If additional cables are run from person sensors to the sub-distribution board to enable centralized control, then the lighting system can be controlled based on presence detection, but the cabling effort and installation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepresence-based controlVSAvoidcabling material

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical connection system (wired communication between sensors and control systems) with a wireless/digital communication system. The contactor includes an integrated communication module that can receive control signals through various wireless protocols (RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, KNX, DALI, etc.), eliminating the need to run cables from person sensors to the sub-distribution board. This substitution maintains the functionality of presence-based control while dramatically reducing cabling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the contactor is installed close to the sub-distribution board, then centralized control is achieved, but the cabling distance from sensors to control point increases, requiring more cables and wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized control capabilityVSAvoidcable length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical cable connections with wireless/digital communication channels. The contactor's integrated communication module enables it to receive control commands from person sensors or central management systems through wireless protocols (RF, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, KNX, DALI, etc.), eliminating the need for long cable runs from sensors to the sub-distribution board. This allows centralized control functionality to be achieved without increasing cable length or installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Simplifies the installation and operation of lighting systems by reducing cabling requirements and enabling efficient control of lighting based on presence detection without overloading internal relays, while allowing for analysis and evaluation of energy consumption and sensor data.

Implementation Method 1

a contactor (43) switched by the person sensor (46) for switching on and off a supply of lights to at least a subgroup of the multitude of lights (42) in the lighting system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical contact switching: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a person sensor (46) for detecting a person

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3664584B1Automatically switching light system for a building with optional attachment to an lms or bms system for analysis and control purposes

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 SITECO GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an automatically switching lighting system for a building, comprising: - a plurality of luminaires, - a person sensor for detecting a person, and - a contactor switched by the person sensor for switching at least a subgroup of the plurality of luminaires of the lighting system, characterized in that the contactor is arranged in a supply line from the lighting system to a sub-distribution board of the building. The invention also relates to a method for refurbishing an existing lighting system.