Lighting Control Module Power Correction for Bulb Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home lighting control systems are often complex and require expert installation, with smart light bulbs being limited by associated light switches and fixtures, and different bulb types have unique properties affecting their behavior and dimming rates.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control system with a module that measures power transmission and response, using a detector circuit and controller to determine a power correction factor, allowing for synchronization of bulb behavior and adjustment of light output across various bulb types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different bulb types and models are used in a lighting control system, then the system offers greater versatility and adaptability, but the behavior of the bulbs becomes inconsistent and difficult to synchronize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebulb type compatibilityVSAvoidbulb behavior consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the actual power consumption and response characteristics of each bulb type and dynamically adjusts control parameters (power correction factor) to normalize their behavior. This allows different bulb types to be controlled uniformly despite their inherent physical differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detector circuit continuously monitors the actual power consumption and response of each bulb, providing feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to each bulb's unique characteristics and maintain synchronized behavior across diverse bulb types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional lighting control systems are used, then installation is straightforward, but the systems become complex and require expert technicians for proper installation and operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically measures and characterizes each bulb upon installation, eliminating the need for manual configuration or expert intervention. The detector circuit and controller work autonomously to determine power correction factors and synchronize bulb behavior without requiring skilled technicians.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement and characterization of each bulb during installation, storing the power correction factors for future use. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent operations and eliminates the need for complex manual setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If smart light bulbs are used, then lighting control functionality is enhanced, but the bulbs become limited by the associated light switch and fixture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting control functionalityVSAvoidsystem integration constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting control module serves multiple functions: it controls the smart bulb, measures power consumption, characterizes bulb response, and synchronizes behavior across different bulb types. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate systems and reduces integration constraints.

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

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

This solution provides a synchronized and elegant lighting experience by normalizing bulb behavior, allowing for seamless integration and operation of different bulb types, reducing the need for expert installation and enhancing user control.

Implementation Method 1

The detector circuit is configured to measure a response of the lighting circuit to the transmission of the quantity of electrical power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS11445592B2Intelligent lighting control power measurement apparatuses, systems, and methods
Publication Date: 2022.09.13 SAVANT SYSTEMS INC
  • US11445592B2 patent drawing
  • US11445592B2 patent drawing
  • US11445592B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for measuring power for a lighting control system. The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for measuring power for a lighting control system. The includes a lighting control module configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical power to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the lighting control module, a detector circuit positioned in the lighting control module, and a controller in electrical communication with the detector circuit. The controller is specially programmed to correlate a quantity of electrical power transmitted to the lighting circuit to the response of the lighting circuit. The controller is further programmed to determine a power correction factor based on the correlation between the quantity of electrical power transmitted and the response. The power correction factor is configured to alter the response of the lighting circuit to a predetermined value.