Luminaire Sensor Module for Dense Environmental Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying a dense grid of air quality sensors in buildings requires additional wiring and gateways, increasing installation costs and complexity, which is not efficiently addressed by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A module integrating air quality sensing, visual information output, and mechanical input means is designed to be inserted into luminaires, utilizing wireless communication to relay data without the need for extra wiring, forming a wireless mesh network that simplifies integration and reduces costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dense grid of air quality sensors is deployed in buildings, then environmental data coverage is improved, but installation costs and system complexity increase due to extra wiring and gateways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air quality sensing functionality with luminaire housing, integrating the sensor module directly into the lighting fixture. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor deployment infrastructure, reducing wiring and gateway requirements while maintaining dense environmental monitoring coverage across the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire is designed to serve multiple functions: providing lighting, housing environmental sensors, and acting as a communication node in a wireless mesh network. This multi-functionality allows existing luminaire installations to double as sensor deployment points, avoiding additional installation complexity while achieving dense environmental data collection.
2Measurement precision
If a dense grid of air quality sensors is deployed in buildings, then environmental data coverage is improved, but installation costs increase due to extra wiring and gateways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air quality sensing functionality with luminaire housing, integrating the sensor module directly into the lighting fixture. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor deployment infrastructure, reducing wiring and gateway requirements while maintaining dense environmental monitoring coverage across the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module utilizes the luminaire's existing power supply and housing structure, eliminating the need for separate power wiring and mounting infrastructure. The luminaire itself serves the dual purpose of lighting and sensor deployment, reducing material and installation costs while achieving comprehensive environmental monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If separate sensor networks are deployed, then environmental monitoring capability is improved, but the number of elements deployed and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is designed to serve multiple functions: providing lighting, housing environmental sensors, and acting as a communication node in a wireless mesh network. This multi-functionality allows existing luminaire installations to double as sensor deployment points, avoiding additional installation complexity while achieving dense environmental data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines air quality sensing functionality with luminaire housing, integrating the sensor module directly into the lighting fixture. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor deployment infrastructure, reducing wiring and gateway requirements while maintaining dense environmental monitoring coverage across the building.
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 enables a dense grid of environmental sensors, including air quality sensors, within luminaires without extra wiring, reducing installation costs and simplifying commissioning, while providing a comprehensive data reporting system for building management systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a module for a luminaire. The module comprises one or more sensing means; and at least one of: a visual information output means... The visual information output means may comprise a status indicator configured to emit light in dependence of a status of the luminaire.
Data Source
AI summary
A module (1) for a luminaire (2) has one or more sensing means (11) and at least one of: a visual information output means (12), and a mechanical input means (13) configured for being actuated by a human operator. The module (1) is insertable into an opening (231) of a casing (23) of the luminaire (2) such that the sensing means (11) is/are exposed to an exterior of the luminaire (2). Especially in connection with luminaires (2) for emergency lighting, which are required by law in every building, this provides a dense grid of environmental sensors (11) without requiring extra wiring or gateways to work, reduces the number of elements deployed in the building to get environmental data, simplifies integration and commissioning, and decreases installation costs with reference to separate sensor networks.