Intelligent Lighting Control System Air Gap Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home lighting control systems are often complex and require expert installation, with smart light bulbs being limited by the associated light switch and lighting fixture, leading to inoperability when the switch is turned off.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent lighting control system featuring a base module with a depressible switch and a light switch module that includes a processor for modulating electrical energy, allowing for safe disconnection of power and enabling multiple lighting scenes through a dimmer circuit, along with a graphical user interface and tactile display for user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If smart light bulbs are used with traditional light switches, then lighting control functionality is provided, but the smart light bulb becomes inoperable when the switch is turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting control into two independent parts: the smart light bulb with its own integrated switch module, and the traditional light switch. The switch module contains a microcontroller and control circuitry that operates independently from the traditional switch, allowing the bulb to function even when the traditional switch is off.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch module acts as an intermediary between the traditional light switch and the smart light bulb. It receives power through the bulb socket and uses internal circuitry to control power delivery to the bulb, bypassing the traditional switch's off-state limitation and enabling the bulb to remain operable.
2Extent of automation
If automated home lighting control systems with central hubs are installed, then lighting automation is achieved, but expert or skilled technicians are required for installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the control intelligence from a centralized hub and embeds it directly into the light bulb and switch module. Each bulb contains its own microcontroller and processing capabilities, eliminating the need for a complex central hub and reducing installation complexity to basic electrical wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart light bulb system is self-configuring and self-managing. The bulbs communicate with each other and with the switch module automatically, requiring no manual setup or expert configuration. The system autonomously establishes communication protocols and lighting scenes upon installation.
3Ease of operation
If lighting control systems are simplified without central hubs, then ease of installation is improved, but the system must safely disconnect power from the A.C. power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The switch module is pre-configured with spring-loaded electrical contacts that automatically disconnect from the live wire when the module is removed from the socket. This preliminary safety mechanism ensures that power disconnection occurs before any user handling, eliminating the need for expert technicians to manually disconnect power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful situation of exposed live wires into a safety feature. The spring-loaded contacts are designed to maintain connection during installation but automatically release and disconnect power when the module is removed, turning the removal action into a safe power-disconnection event.
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 allows for easy installation and operation of smart lighting control without requiring expert technicians, enabling safe power management and varied lighting scenarios through a user-friendly interface.
Implementation Method 1
The depressible switch includes a spring biasing the depressible switch into an extended position. The extended position opens an electrical circuit between the power terminal and the first electrical connector.
Implementation Method 2
The module housing is configured to press the depressible switch into a retracted position upon nesting in the well of the base module and thereby close the electrical circuit between the power terminal and the first electrical connector.
Implementation Method 3
The switch control circuit includes a processor configured to modulate the flow of electrical energy to the lighting circuit via a dimmer circuit to produce a plurality of lighting scenes by varying the illumination of the light bulb.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system. The lighting control system includes a base module including a base housing forming a well and including a first electrical connector positioned in the well. A depressible switch is housed in the well that includes a spring biasing the depressible switch into an extended position that opens an electrical circuit between the power terminal and the first electrical connector. The lighting control system also includes a light switch module configured for nesting, at least in part, in the well of the base module. The light switch module includes a module housing configured to press the depressible switch into a retracted position upon nesting in the well and thereby close the electrical circuit between the power terminal and the first electrical connector and release the depressible switch into the extended position when unnested from the well of the base module.