Luminaire Controllers with Integrated Dimming and Sensor Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luminaire controllers with photocell sockets are not readily dimmable without modifications, requiring additional wiring and lacking integrated dimming functionality, which limits their adaptability and efficiency in controlling lighting levels based on ambient conditions.

Innovation Solution

A luminaire controller with a housing containing mains input terminals, a power switch module, a central processing module, and a communications module, featuring a dimming interface controlled by a sensor module that can sense ambient lighting and temperature conditions, and supports '0-10V and DALI protocols, allowing direct mounting on luminaires with optional optical interfaces for dimming signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If NEMA photocell sockets are used to control switching on and off of luminaires, then control functionality is achieved, but dimming capability is lost and additional wiring is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimming capabilityVSAvoidadditional wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the photocell sensor, dimming controller, and communication interface into a single integrated control module that mounts directly on the luminaire. This merging eliminates the need for separate NEMA photocell sockets and additional external wiring, while providing both on/off control and dimming functionality through integrated circuitry and a single mounting location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is designed to perform multiple functions: ambient light sensing for on/off control, dimming control for luminaires with dimming capability, and communication with building management systems. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple separate components and eliminate the need for additional wiring configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If photocell sockets are modified to add dimming functionality, then dimming control is achieved, but installation complexity and modification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimmable controlVSAvoidmodification requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functionality into a separate, self-contained control module that mounts on the luminaire rather than modifying the existing photocell socket. This segmentation allows the dimming functionality to be added as a complete module without requiring modifications to the socket itself or existing wiring, simplifying both manufacturing and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is designed as a complete, self-sufficient unit that includes its own sensor, processing circuitry, and mounting mechanism. It requires no modification to existing infrastructure and can be installed independently, making the system easier to manufacture and deploy without requiring skilled modifications to existing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If luminaire controllers are designed for specific protocols only, then protocol compatibility is ensured, but versatility across different luminaire types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidluminaire type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control module incorporates support for multiple communication protocols including DALI and 0-10V within a single device. This allows the same physical module to work with different luminaire types and control systems without requiring separate protocol-specific hardware, maintaining reliability through protocol compliance while achieving versatility through multi-protocol support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables seamless dimming control of luminaires without additional wiring, supports both existing and dimmable luminaires, and provides smart energy metering, enhancing lighting efficiency and adaptability to ambient conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor module comprises a photocell for sensing ambient lighting conditions in the vicinity of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocell sensing: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the sensor module comprises a temperature sensor for sensing ambient temperature conditions within the housing, the temperature sensor providing temperature compensating signals to the central processing module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentEP3957908A1Luminaire controllers

Publication Date: 2022.02.23 SCHREDER SA

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AI summary

A luminaire controller comprising: a housing; mains input terminals mounted within the housing; a power switch module mounted within the housing and connected to a mains supply; a central processing module mounted within the housing; and a communications module mounted within the housing. The luminaire controller further comprises a dimming interface mounted within the housing and controllable by the central processing module, and an energy measurement module connected to the mains input terminals.