Lighting Fixture Control Module With External Dipole Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems in user environments, such as lighting and HVAC systems, face challenges in efficiently integrating control modules that can detect occupancy and vacancy conditions while minimizing interference with wireless communication signals.
Innovation Solution
A control module is designed to be mounted in a lighting fixture, featuring an antenna with dipole elements outside the fixture, a detector for infrared energy, and a shield to protect pyroelectric elements from wireless signals, allowing for effective occupancy and vacancy detection while maintaining wireless communication functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the antenna elements are positioned inside the lighting fixture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wireless communication signal strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into two distinct segments: a first antenna element positioned inside the lighting fixture housing and a second antenna element positioned outside the housing. This segmentation allows each element to serve different functions - the internal element maintains compact device structure while the external element ensures strong wireless communication signal transmission and reception.
2Measurement precision
If the detector is positioned to receive infrared energy, then the occupancy detection capability is improved, but the detector becomes susceptible to interference from wireless communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
A shield is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the detector and the antenna elements. This shield acts as a mediator that blocks harmful wireless communication signals from reaching the detector while allowing infrared energy to pass through, thereby protecting the detector from interference without compromising occupancy detection capability.
3Device complexity
If the pyroelectric elements are exposed to wireless signals, then the device structure is simplified, but the occupancy detection reliability deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The shield serves as a protective intermediary that selectively blocks wireless communication signals from reaching the pyroelectric elements while permitting infrared energy transmission. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simple detector structure without exposing it to harmful signal interference, thereby preserving occupancy detection reliability.
4Reliability
If the antenna elements are curved around the detector, then the wireless signal coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are configured with different geometries suited to their specific locations and functions. The first antenna element inside the housing has a configuration optimized for internal space constraints, while the second antenna element outside the housing is curved to maximize external signal coverage. This local optimization of antenna geometry at different positions achieves comprehensive wireless coverage without requiring uniform complex design throughout.
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 control module effectively detects occupancy and vacancy conditions while minimizing interference with wireless signals, enhancing the performance of load control systems in user environments.
Implementation Method 1
a detector positioned to receive infrared energy through a lens in an aperture of the cover portion. The detector may be electrically coupled to the control circuit such that the control circuit is configured to detect at least one of an occupancy or vacancy condition in a space surrounding the control module
Implementation Method 2
The detector may comprise one or more pyroelectric elements that are responsive to the infrared energy
Implementation Method 3
The load control devices may receive the digital messages via radio frequency (RF) signals
Data Source
AI summary
A control module configured to be mounted in a fixture opening of a lighting fixture may comprise an antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna) having a majority of primary radiating structures located outside of the lighting fixture when mounted to the lighting fixture. The control module may comprise a detector positioned to receive infrared energy through a lens for detecting occupancy or vacancy conditions. The antenna may comprise two elements electrically connected in a dipole antenna configuration and comprising respective curved portions that are positioned to curve around the detector outside of the lighting fixture. The control module may comprise an enclosure comprising clips that each have teeth for attaching the control module within the fixture opening. The clips may be located adjacent to each other and the teeth may be staggered relative to each other, such that one tooth of either clip engages the fixture opening at a single time.