Lighting Control Module Wireless Retrofit via Intermediary Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control systems require rewiring and replacement of components to integrate additional control features, limiting flexibility and efficiency in modifying or retrofitting lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control module that integrates a motion and/or occupancy sensor, microprocessor, wireless transceiver, relay, and dimming module, allowing for wireless communication and power control of lighting fixtures without rewiring, and enabling modification of lighting systems without replacing existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional control components are integrated into the lighting system, then the functionality and control capability are improved, but the system requires rewiring and component replacement which increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication bridge as an intermediary device that enables communication between control components and lighting fixtures without requiring physical rewiring. The bridge acts as a mediator that translates control signals and establishes communication pathways through existing electrical infrastructure, thereby adding control capability while avoiding the complexity of system rewiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication bridge is designed to be universally compatible with multiple types of control components and lighting fixtures. It can interface with various sensor types (motion sensors, occupancy sensors) and different lighting technologies (LED, fluorescent, incandescent) through a single device, thereby enhancing system adaptability without requiring specialized components for each lighting type.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the lighting system is modified to add control features, then the energy efficiency and functionality are improved, but existing components must be replaced which increases cost and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The communication bridge serves as an intermediary that connects to existing lighting fixtures and control components without requiring their replacement. By interfacing with the existing infrastructure through the bridge, the system can implement energy-efficient control strategies (such as dimming, scheduling, and occupancy-based control) while preserving existing components, thereby improving energy efficiency without the cost and downtime associated with component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical rewiring and mechanical component replacement with electronic/communication-based solutions. Instead of physically modifying the electrical infrastructure or replacing hardware components, the system uses communication protocols and software-based control to achieve energy efficiency, thereby eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming physical modifications.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented between lighting modules, then the flexibility and remote control capability are improved, but the device complexity and communication protocol requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication bridge acts as an intermediary that simplifies wireless communication between lighting modules and control systems. It handles protocol translation, signal routing, and data management, thereby enabling remote control capability without requiring end users to directly manage complex communication protocols. The bridge absorbs the protocol complexity while providing simple, user-friendly control interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting control module (LCM) includes an input configured to receive, from a sensor, a signal indicative of motion and/or occupancy, and to output a first corresponding signal. The LCM includes a microprocessor to receive the first corresponding signal from the input and, in response, transmit a second corresponding signal. A wireless transceiver is communicatively coupled to the microprocessor and configured to communicate with other LCMs. A relay is configured to selectively provide power to an output that is configured to be electrically coupled to a fixture. The relay is configured to selectively provide the power to the output according to a first relay-control signal from the microprocessor. The LCM also includes a regulated power supply, a power input configured to couple the power supply to an external power source, and a dimming module configured to be coupled to the fixture and to, when coupled to the fixture, output a signal to the fixture. The LCM is configured to receive from the sensor the signal, and in response to the signal cause the fixture to change its state of operation.