Lighting Fixture Control Module With External Antenna and Occupancy Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control systems in user environments, such as lighting and HVAC systems, lack efficient and versatile control modules that can integrate occupancy and daylight sensing with wireless communication capabilities, particularly for use in lighting fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A control module designed for mounting in a lighting fixture, featuring a dipole antenna with primary radiating structures outside the fixture, a detector for infrared energy, and a shielded pyroelectric element, along with clips for secure installation, enabling occupancy and vacancy detection, and wireless communication via RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna is mounted inside the lighting fixture, then the fixture structure is compact, but the wireless signal transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the primary radiating structures of the dipole antenna from the interior of the lighting fixture and positions them externally. This allows the antenna to maintain a compact fixture structure while achieving superior wireless signal transmission efficiency by placing the radiating elements in a location with better electromagnetic radiation characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If the detector is exposed to infrared energy without shielding, then occupancy detection sensitivity is improved, but interference from wireless signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of wireless signals interfering with the detector into a beneficial solution by implementing frequency selective shielding. The shielding structure is designed to block radio frequency signals from reaching the detector while maintaining transparency to infrared energy, thus eliminating interference without sacrificing occupancy detection sensitivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into a single module, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions including occupancy detection, daylight sensing, and wireless communication into a single integrated control module that mounts in the lighting fixture. This consolidation provides versatile control capabilities while managing complexity through unified design and shared structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed with universal multi-functionality, incorporating a detector for occupancy and environmental sensing, a wireless communication circuit for remote control, and an integrated mounting system that works with various lighting fixture types. This multi-functional design allows a single module to perform diverse control tasks without requiring separate devices.
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 and communicates wirelessly, providing seamless integration with existing load control systems, enhancing control capabilities and versatility across various lighting fixtures.
Implementation Method 1
The control module 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
Implementation Method 2
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 3
The detector may comprise one or more pyroelectric elements that are responsive to the infrared energy
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.