Luminaire Controller Power Isolation and Wireless Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luminaire systems continue to consume power even when set to a minimum intensity level, as they must remain connected to a power source to receive subsequent commands, leading to unnecessary energy usage and potential wiring errors due to separate controls for power and light characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire controller that allows for electrical connection and isolation from the power source based on user commands, incorporating a power control module to manage power supply and an illumination control module for wireless light characteristic adjustments, eliminating the need for separate wall switches or circuit breakers and reducing wiring complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If luminaires remain continuously connected to the power source to receive commands, then command reception capability is maintained, but unnecessary power consumption occurs when luminaires are at minimum intensity level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power connection state changeable - the controller can dynamically connect or disconnect the luminaire from the power source based on operational state. When the luminaire is at minimum intensity level, the controller disconnects it from the power source to eliminate unnecessary power consumption, while still maintaining command reception capability through the wireless communication interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply function from the command reception function. The power interface and load interface are electrically isolated through the controller, allowing the luminaire to be disconnected from power while maintaining wireless communication capability for receiving commands. This segmentation enables independent control of power consumption and command reception.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate wall switches or circuit breakers are used for power control, then power isolation is achieved, but wiring complexity and potential wiring errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power control function with the luminaire controller itself. The controller integrates both the power interface and load interface, eliminating the need for separate wall switches or circuit breakers. This integration simplifies the wiring structure by consolidating control functions within a single device, reducing the number of separate components and potential wiring errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire controller performs multiple functions: it controls power supply through the power interface, manages load connection through the load interface, and handles wireless communication for command reception. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and wiring requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire controller includes a controller housing, a user interface panel, a power interface, a load interface, a power control module and an illumination control module. The user interface panel, power interface and load interface extend from the controller housing. The power interface and load interface are disposed within the controller housing, and are electrically coupled to the user interface panel. The power control module is configured to electrically connect the load interface to the power interface upon receipt of a connect signal from the user interface panel, and electrically isolate the load interface from the power interface upon receipt of a disconnect signal from the user interface panel. In accordance with a light characteristic signal that is received from the user interface panel, the illumination control module is configured to wirelessly control a characteristic of light emitted by a luminaire that is electrically coupled to the load interface.