Lighting Driver Segments Control Circuit Power for Wireless Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting fixtures that rely on a power switch for AC power control cannot operate based on wireless commands or programmed schedules when the switch is toggled off, limiting user control and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that includes a driver capable of generating driver power from AC power controlled by a switch, allowing the system to respond to wireless commands and programmed schedules even when the light source is off, by providing power to other electrical components while the light source is not powered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power switch is used to control AC power to the lighting fixture, then the user can control the light from the fixture using the switch, but the lighting fixture cannot operate based on wireless commands or programmed schedules when the switch is toggled off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution within the lighting fixture by introducing a secondary switch (relay) controlled by the microcontroller. This secondary switch separates the power supply to the light source from the power supply to the control circuitry. When the main wall switch is off, the control circuitry remains powered through an alternative power path, enabling it to receive wireless commands and execute programmed schedules while the light source remains off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power management system consisting of the microcontroller and secondary relay switch. This intermediary layer mediates between the main AC power input and the various subsystems (light source, control circuitry, wireless communication module). It enables selective power distribution, allowing the control circuitry to remain active even when the light source is powered off by the main switch.
2Extent of automation
If the lighting fixture operates based on wireless commands and programmed schedules, then the functionality and automation are improved, but the ability to use a simple power switch for control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power control system is segmented into independent controllable sections: the light source circuit and the control circuitry are separated through different relay switches. This segmentation allows the complex automated functions to operate independently without interfering with the simplicity of wall switch control, and vice versa.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it controls the secondary relay for light source power management, processes wireless commands, executes programmed schedules, and manages the power distribution logic. This multi-functionality consolidates the complexity into a single intelligent controller rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the AC power is controlled by a wall switch, then the user can manually turn the light on and off, but the lighting fixture cannot maintain wireless control capabilities when the switch is off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation of the power distribution architecture where the control circuitry has an alternative power path that bypasses the main wall switch control. This ensures that when users manually toggle the wall switch, the control electronics remain powered and maintain wireless communication capabilities, while the light source responds only to the wall switch state.
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 the lighting fixture to operate based on programmed schedules and user inputs, maintaining wireless control and switch-based power management, ensuring seamless functionality regardless of the light source's power state.
Implementation Method 1
a driver that generates a driver power from an AC power controlled by a switch
Data Source
AI summary
A method of lighting control includes detecting, by a control device, whether an AC power is available, where the availability of the AC power is controlled by a switch. The method further includes providing, by a driver, a driver power to a light source if the driver power was not provided to the light source when the AC power was last available. The driver generates the driver power from the AC power.