Lighting Control System Residual Energy Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home lighting control systems are often complex and require skilled technicians for installation and operation, and smart light bulbs can be limited by the light switch and lighting fixture they are associated with, particularly when it comes to power management during ramp-up and ramp-down processes.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system with a base module and a light switch module that includes a processor to modulate energy flow, allowing for temporary opening of the electrical connection to fully discharge residual energy from light bulbs, enabling efficient power management and control through a dimmer circuit and rechargeable battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light switch is used to control smart light bulbs, then the lighting control is simplified, but the smart light bulb becomes inoperable when the switch is off and cannot be fully discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay as an intermediary component between the light switch and the smart light bulb. The relay acts as a mediator that can fully open the circuit to discharge residual energy from the bulb, while the smart bulb remains connected to the control system via wireless communication. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the switch to control lighting without directly blocking the bulb's power supply and communication pathways.
2Productivity
If residual energy is not fully discharged from light bulbs, then the system operates continuously, but energy consumption increases and bulb lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic discharge cycles where the relay periodically opens the circuit to fully discharge residual energy from the light bulb. This periodic action balances continuous operation with energy conservation, allowing the system to remain operational while periodically eliminating wasted residual energy that would otherwise consume power and reduce bulb lifespan.
3Loss of energy
If the electrical connection is opened to discharge residual energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the control circuit cannot access power from the neutral line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection into two separate pathways: a power pathway through the relay that can be opened for discharge, and a control pathway through the neutral line that remains continuously connected. This segmentation allows the control circuit to access power from the neutral line independently of the relay's state, enabling residual energy discharge while maintaining control circuit operation.
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 seamless power management, ensuring smart light bulbs can be fully discharged and efficiently controlled, reducing energy consumption and extending bulb lifespan, while also simplifying installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable battery housed in the module housing
Implementation Method 2
The processor is 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 for temporarily opening a circuit in the system. The lighting control system includes a light switch module including a switch control circuit. 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. The processor is, in response to receipt of a control command to discontinue illumination of the light bulb, configured to cause, for a first pre-specified period of time, the amperage of the current flowing from an alternating current power supply to the power circuit to be reduced, and open, for the first pre-specified period of time, the electrical connection between the switch control circuit and an electrical connector.