Lighting Relay Zero-Cross Switching for Instant Mode Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pool lighting systems experience delays when switching between operation schemes, leading to safety issues and undesirable user experiences due to the need for power interruption-based scheme switching, which is inefficient and complex, especially with existing control panels like PSC panels.
Innovation Solution
A system that steps down high voltage power and uses a relay to transmit low voltage to lights, allowing for rapid mode changes by converting user selections into commands that utilize zero cross operations to minimize delays, enabling instantaneous changes between light operation modes without interrupting the power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power interruption method is used to switch operation schemes, then the light can change between different operation schemes, but the switching delay becomes appreciable (10+ seconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads operation scheme data into memory before it is needed. When a user selects a new operation scheme, the controller retrieves the pre-loaded data immediately without waiting for power cycle sequences, thereby eliminating the 10+ second delay while maintaining the ability to switch between multiple operation schemes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power cycling is used to select operation schemes, then the light can be controlled to perform different schemes, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical power cycling method with an electronic data retrieval system. Instead of physically interrupting power to signal scheme changes, the system uses a controller to retrieve pre-loaded operation scheme data from memory and send it to the light, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining versatility.
3Loss of energy
If power is interrupted during scheme switching, then energy can be conserved in the light's capacitor, but the light remains off and creates safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous power supply to the light during operation scheme switching. The controller retrieves and applies new operation scheme data without interrupting power to the light, ensuring the light remains on and eliminating safety hazards while still achieving energy conservation through efficient data retrieval and application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power cycles are performed to reach the 16th operation scheme, then all schemes can be accessed, but the switching time becomes unacceptably long
Solution Approach 1:
All 16 operation scheme data sets are pre-loaded into the controller's memory during system initialization or before user selection. When a user selects any operation scheme (including the 16th), the controller retrieves the data immediately from memory without requiring 16 sequential power cycles, achieving both full accessibility and rapid switching.
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
This solution reduces delays in switching between light operation modes to less than one second, improving safety and user experience by allowing for immediate changes in brightness, color, and operation schemes without the need for complex installations or expensive components.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer for a device control system can step down a high voltage power supply to a low voltage power supply
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the low voltage through a relay to a light... determine an operation sequence for the relay to convey the command to the light... A schedule for the operation sequence can include a zero cross operation by the relay
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating lights can include stepping down a high voltage power supply and transmitting a resulting low voltage through a relay to a light. A device controller system can receive a selected mode for operating the light including a setting for brightness, color, or operation scheme. The selected mode can be converted into a command configured to cause the light to operate continuously while changing from a current mode of operation to the selected mode. The system can determine an operation sequence for the relay to convey the command to the light. A schedule for the operation sequence can include a zero cross operation by the relay indicating, to the light, the setting or an operation mode change. The relay can operate according to the operation sequence and the schedule and the light can change to from the current mode to the selected mode without delay.