Lighting Control Circuit Using Driver Current for Retrofit Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems face challenges in retrofitting lighting control due to the need for additional installation space and galvanic isolation, especially when sensors must be connected to operating devices located far from the lighting means, requiring long cables or communication channels, and existing dimming systems are complex and difficult to retrofit.
Innovation Solution
A control device that can be directly connected to the output connectors or supply line of the operating device, generating a voltage from a constant current to supply control signals for switching or dimming lighting means, eliminating the need for additional power outputs or interfaces and allowing for compact design with Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV) operation, and utilizing pulse width modulation (PWM) for efficient control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors are connected to operating devices located far from lighting means, then sensor detection capability is improved, but cable length and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary component that receives control signals from sensors and communicates with the operating device via power lines. This mediator eliminates the need for long dedicated control cables by utilizing the existing power supply infrastructure for bidirectional communication and control signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply line serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the lighting means and simultaneously acts as a communication channel for control signals between the control device and the operating device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control cables, reducing installation complexity and space requirements.
2Reliability
If additional power supply units and galvanic isolation circuits are added for sensor feed-in, then sensor operation reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing power supply line is utilized for both power delivery and control signal transmission to the sensor. The operating device's power supply circuit is designed to handle bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for separate sensor feed-in circuits and galvanic isolation components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating device's existing power supply infrastructure serves the dual purpose of powering the lighting means and providing communication channels for sensor data transmission. The system uses its own internal resources (power lines and processing capability) to handle sensor communication without requiring external dedicated circuits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If operating device is positioned at inaccessible location, then lighting safety is improved, but sensor connection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device can be installed at accessible locations near the lighting means and utilizes the existing power line infrastructure for communication with the remotely positioned operating device. This approach maintains the safety benefit of placing the operating device in an inaccessible location while enabling easy sensor connection and system configuration at accessible points.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that can be positioned at accessible locations, receiving sensor inputs locally and communicating with the remotely located operating device through the power line network. This mediator approach maintains safety distances while facilitating easy sensor installation and configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If long cables or additional communication channels are used for remote sensor placement, then sensor positioning flexibility is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply line serves as a universal communication channel that enables sensor placement flexibility without requiring additional dedicated control infrastructure. Sensors can be positioned near lighting means at various locations, and all communication occurs through the existing power line network, simplifying installation while maintaining positioning flexibility.
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
Enables simple and cost-effective retrofitting of lighting control systems, reducing installation complexity and space requirements, while maintaining safety and efficiency in switching and dimming operations, even with LED arrays, and allowing for remote sensor detection and communication via infrared or radio.
Implementation Method 1
a circuit (5) configured to generate, from a constant current that is generated by the operating device (1) for driving the lighting means, a voltage for supplying the control means (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A control device comprising at least one input connector (x1, x2) configured to electrically connect an operating device (1) for driving lighting means (3a, 3b), and at least one output connector (x3, x4, x5) configured to electrically connect at least one of the lighting means (3a, 3b), a control means (4) configured to switch the lighting means (3a, 3b) based on a control signal, and a circuit (5) configured to generate voltage for supplying the control means (4) from a constant current that is generated from the operating device (1) for driving the lighting means (3a, 3b).