Removable Lighting Control Module with Magnetic Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems often have a central control unit that is difficult for users to access and use, especially when multiple light elements need to be adjusted for uniform brightness and color, which complicates usability and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A control module with a controller circuit and holding member that can be easily attached and removed from a base module with parallel electrodes, allowing for adjustable brightness and color control, and featuring a rotary switch for user operation, with optional magnetic or clamp-based holding mechanisms and wireless communication for signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central control unit is used for all lamps, then the system structure is simplified, but the control unit becomes hidden and difficult for users to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control function from the central hidden unit and distributes it to individual light modules. Each light module contains its own control circuitry, allowing users to directly access and adjust each module's parameters (brightness, color temperature) independently, thus resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and user accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication capability to the light modules, enabling control parameters to be adjusted remotely via mobile devices or other wireless interfaces. This adds a new dimension of control access without requiring physical access to internal control circuits, thus improving user accessibility while maintaining system simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a control unit is placed in each light element, then user accessibility is improved, but the system complexity increases when managing groups of light elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control protocol that allows a single control interface to manage multiple light modules with different parameters (brightness, color temperature, timing). The standardized communication interface enables centralized control of groups while maintaining individual adjustability, thus reducing system complexity despite distributed control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where light modules report their status and parameters back to the control system. This automated feedback loop simplifies group management by providing real-time information about each module's state, enabling efficient monitoring and adjustment without manual intervention for each individual module.
3Device complexity
If a fixed central control location is used, then system structure is simplified, but the control element is remote and not easily reachable by users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functionality and embeds it within each light module housing. This integration ensures that control elements (buttons, dials, or wireless interfaces) are physically located at the light modules themselves, making them easily reachable by users while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through standardized module designs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If control modules are made transportable and removable, then versatility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the connection reliability between control module and base module may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions (electrical contact, mechanical retention, alignment) into an integrated connector system. The connector design ensures that when the control module is attached to the base module, all connections are established simultaneously through a single attachment action, maintaining reliability while enabling easy removal and reuse across different systems.
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
Enhances usability and reduces costs by allowing the control module to be easily moved between lighting systems, maintaining design flexibility and simplifying the control of multiple light modules with adjustable brightness and color.
Implementation Method 1
said holding member comprises at least one magnet adapted to fix said control module at said base module
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control module (30) for a lighting system, which lighting system (10) comprises a base module (11) with at least two parallel electrodes (16) and at least one light module (20) coupled with said electrodes (16), said control module comprising: a controller (30) adapted to control at least one parameter of the at least one light module (20), and a holding member (28) adapted to removably hold said control module in engagement with said electrodes (16) of said lighting system (10). It also relates to a lighting system and a light module (20) for such a lighting system.