Master Dimmer Powering Remote Units With Fixed Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dimmer systems, particularly those with master and remote dimmers, face inefficiencies in power consumption, as they often exceed the 1 W per dimmer leg limit when in the off position due to powering remote dimmers, which is a concern for power efficiency and compliance with regulations like California Title 20.

Innovation Solution

A dimmer system where a master dimmer generates direct current power with a fixed current level, powering multiple remote dimmers, using a triac control circuit and constant current circuit to regulate and limit power to remote dimmers, ensuring compliance with power efficiency standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote dimmers are powered via the master dimmer, then remote dimming control is enabled, but power consumption exceeds 1 W per dimmer leg

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote dimming controlVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply output is segmented into two separate outputs: first DC power for the master dimmer and second DC power for remote dimmers. This segmentation allows independent power management and limits the power drawn by remote dimmers to comply with the 1 W per dimmer leg requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply converts AC power to DC power with different parameter sets for different purposes. The second DC power output is specifically configured with limited current parameters to ensure that power consumption by remote dimmers remains under 1 W per dimmer leg while still enabling remote control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple remote dimmers are powered, then remote control versatility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control versatilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second DC power output serves multiple remote dimmers simultaneously, providing universal power supply functionality. The constant current circuit ensures that regardless of the number of remote dimmers connected, the total power consumption remains limited to comply with regulatory standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple remote dimmers are powered from a single limited-power DC output, creating identical power delivery to each remote device. The constant current circuit ensures each remote dimmer receives appropriate power while the total remains within the 1 W per dimmer leg limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If a power supply generates separate first and second direct current power, then power distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distributionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply combines AC to DC conversion with dual output functionality in a single integrated circuit. The first and second DC power outputs are generated simultaneously from the same AC input through a unified power conversion process, improving power distribution efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply performs multiple functions: converting AC to DC, providing power to the master dimmer, and simultaneously providing limited power to multiple remote dimmers. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated power supply unit with dual outputs, avoiding the need for separate power conversion circuits.

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

This solution effectively reduces power consumption to less than 1 W per dimmer leg, even when multiple remote dimmers are powered, enhancing power efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards while maintaining control over dimming functions.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply structured to convert alternating current from the power source to first direct current power and second direct current power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

a constant current circuit structured to fix a current level of the second direct current power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstant current regulation:

Data Source

PatentUS10716191B1Dimmer system and method of powering remote dimmers

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A dimmer system includes a master dimmer electrically connected between a power source and a load and structured to control dimming of the load. The master dimmer includes a power supply structured to generate first direct current power and second direct current power and a constant current circuit structured to fix a current level of the second direct current power. The dimmer system also includes a plurality of remote dimmers structured to receive and be powered by the second direct current power with the fixed current level.