Lighting System Switch with Segmented Power Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems do not allow lighting devices with additional functions, such as sensing, to operate fully when switched to the OFF state, as they only provide power for light emission and not for additional functions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with a switch that can toggle between high-power and low-power states, enabling the lighting device to provide both light emission and additional functions even when the switch is in the OFF state, using a power supply that reduces power to a safe level for the low-power state, and an upgrade device for legacy switches to enable this functionality without replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the switch is in the OFF state to switch off light emission, then power consumption is reduced, but the lighting device cannot provide additional functions like sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into two distinct paths: a high-power path for light emission and a low-power path for additional functions. The switch controls the high-power path while the low-power path remains continuously active, allowing functional segmentation that resolves the contradiction between power savings and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different power quality levels are provided to different functional components of the lighting device. The light emission module receives high-power supply when needed, while the sensing/processing modules receive continuous low-power supply, enabling each component to operate with appropriate power quality for its specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switch provides full power in the OFF state to maintain additional functions, then functionality is preserved, but safety hazards increase due to high current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply parameters (voltage and current) are changed based on the operational state. In the OFF state, the switch reduces the power parameters to a safe low level that still suffices for sensing and processing functions but eliminates safety hazards associated with high current flow. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between functionality and safety.
3Device complexity
If a conventional switch is used to control light emission, then the switch structure is simple, but it cannot support lighting devices with additional functions requiring continuous power
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is designed with multi-functionality: it controls the high-power light emission path while allowing the low-power path to remain active for additional functions. This universal design enables the same switch structure to support both traditional lighting control and advanced functionality, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting system (1) comprising a lighting device (3) for emitting light in a high-power mode and for providing a further function like a sensing function in a low-power mode and a switch (4) connecting the lighting device with a power supply (2). The switch is switchable between a high-power state, in which a higher power is provided to the lighting device via the switch, which allows the lighting device to emit the light in the high-power mode, and which may be regarded as being an ON state, and a low- power state, in which a lower power is provided to the lighting device via the switch, which allows the lighting device to provide the further function, and which may be regarded as being an OFF state. Thus, for instance, a sensing function can be provided, even if the switch is in its OFF state.