Lighting Control Device with Waveform Anomaly Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting control devices are not compatible with a wide range of illumination loads due to issues like waveform anomalies and malfunctions caused by noise contamination or impedance problems, leading to flickering or blinking lights.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control device with a bidirectional switch, phase detector, and corrector that adjusts the on-time of the switch based on dimming levels and detects waveform anomalies to maintain stable operation across various loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If phase control is used to dim the illumination load, then the dimming level can be adjusted, but waveform anomalies and noise contamination cause malfunctions and flickering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming level adjustmentVSAvoidoperation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller detects waveform anomalies and noise contamination in real-time and adjusts the phase control parameters accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the dimming operation remains stable and reliable, preventing flickering and malfunctions while maintaining the ability to adjust dimming levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes control parameters such as the phase angle and pulse width modulation duty cycle based on detected waveform conditions. When anomalies are detected, the controller modifies these parameters to compensate for the disturbances, ensuring continuous stable operation while preserving dimming functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control device is designed to be compatible with multiple types of illumination loads, then versatility is improved, but waveform anomalies and impedance problems increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with illumination loadsVSAvoidwaveform anomalies and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal control device that can accommodate multiple types of illumination loads (LED, CFL, halogen, etc.) through adaptive phase control and waveform monitoring. The controller automatically adjusts its behavior based on the detected load type and waveform characteristics, enabling broad compatibility while managing waveform anomalies and noise through intelligent parameter adjustment.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3349545B1Lighting control device
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3349545B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3349545B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3349545B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lighting control device compatible with an increased number of types of illumination loads is provided. A bidirectional switch (2) is configured to switch between conduction and non-conduction of a bidirectional current between a pair of input terminals (11 and 12). An inputter (4) is configured to receive a dimming level specifying the magnitude of a light output of a load (7). A controller (6) is configured to control the bidirectional switch (2) so as to retain the bidirectional switch (2) in an ON state for an on time having a length determined in accordance with the dimming level within a prescribed range in each of half periods of an AC voltage (Vac) of an AC power supply (8). A corrector (61) is configured to determine whether or not a target waveform has an anomaly with reference to a prescribed determination condition. The corrector (61) is configured to correct the prescribed range so as to narrow the prescribed range when the target waveform has the anomaly. The target waveform is a waveform of at least one of a voltage and a current input to the pair of input terminals (11 and 12).