Lighting Control Shunt Circuit for No-Neutral OFF-State Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting control systems face challenges in providing sufficient leakage current to electronic controllers when they are in the OFF state, especially with increasing power consumption demands, leading to operational issues and potential damage from external capacitors in TRIAC-based systems.

Innovation Solution

A lighting control system incorporating a shunt device with a bleeding circuit and switching arrangement that connects the bleeding circuit between the electronic controller's output terminal and the external power source when the controller is in the OFF state, and disconnects it when in the ON state, using voltage or current measurement to determine the appropriate threshold for switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an electronic controller is connected in place of a mechanical wall switch to provide intelligent lighting control, then additional functions such as dimming and wireless communications are enabled, but the available power for the controller becomes insufficient when the load is turned OFF due to limited leakage current

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic control functionsVSAvoidpower availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

An external capacitor is introduced as an intermediary energy storage device between the power source and the electronic controller. This capacitor stores electrical energy during the ON state and releases it during the OFF state to maintain the leakage current required for controller operation, thereby resolving the power availability issue without compromising the electronic control functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameters by adding capacitance to the circuit. This modifies the current-flow characteristics, enabling the controller to receive sufficient power during the OFF state by utilizing the capacitor's discharge current, thus maintaining operational versatility while solving the energy constraint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If an external capacitor is added to provide leakage current to the electronic controller, then power availability is improved, but inrush currents may cause damage to TRIAC-based systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage currentVSAvoidinrush current damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-charging the external capacitor through a controlled path before connecting it to the TRIAC circuit. This preliminary charging process prevents sudden inrush currents by gradually building up the voltage on the capacitor, thereby protecting the TRIAC-based system from damage while still providing the necessary leakage current for controller operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a bleeding circuit is connected across the load to provide power to the controller in the OFF state, then continuous power supply is achieved, but power loss increases when the load is turned ON

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous power supplyVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The bleeding circuit is made dynamic through a switching mechanism that connects or disconnects it based on the load state. When the load is OFF, the bleeding circuit is connected to provide continuous power to the controller. When the load is ON, the bleeding circuit is disconnected to eliminate unnecessary power loss. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures continuous power supply to the electronic controller in the OFF state, preventing operational failures and avoiding damage from inrush currents, while optimizing power usage and maintaining proper dimming functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the bleeding circuit providing a current path between the output terminal of the electronic controller and the second power terminal of the external power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUSRE50126E1Shunt device in lighting control system without neutral wire

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

A device (340, 440, 540) is connected to an output terminal of a controller(330), having a single input terminal connected to a first power terminal of an external power source (305) which outputs an AC voltage between the first power terminal and a second power terminal. The device includes a bleeding circuit(342, 442, 542), and a switching arrangement (344/346, 444/446, 544/546) to detect whether the controller powers a load (320 or disables the load. When the controller is in an OFF state, the switching arrangement connects the bleeding circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal to provide a current path between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal. When the controller is in an ON state, the switching arrangement disconnects the bleeding circuit between the output terminal of the controller and the second power terminal.