Automated Memorial Lighting with Controller Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic memorial boards require manual operation to manage the illumination of light bulbs for anniversaries and holidays, leading to inefficiencies and errors, especially with the life cycle of incandescent bulbs making it difficult to detect and replace non-functional bulbs.
Innovation Solution
A centralized memorial display system with a controller circuit that automatically activates and deactivates light sources based on stored anniversary dates and durations, including a remote interface for user data input and diagnostic tools, using low-voltage LEDs and a display engine for illumination, and allowing for configuration and testing of light fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used to manage light bulb illumination, then the system is simple in structure, but the productivity is low and errors occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The memorial board system automatically manages light bulb illumination without requiring manual operation. The controller circuit receives anniversary date information, automatically determines when each light bulb should be illuminated based on stored anniversary dates and durations, and controls the illumination timing autonomously. This self-service approach eliminates manual labor while maintaining systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of switching light bulbs with an automated electronic control system. The controller circuit uses electronic signals to control the illumination of light bulbs based on stored anniversary date data, substituting human manual intervention with an automated electromechanical system that improves efficiency and reduces errors.
2Reliability
If traditional incandescent bulbs are used, then the illumination is bright, but the reliability is low due to bulb life cycle issues
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the operational status of each light bulb. When a light bulb fails to illuminate as expected during its scheduled anniversary period, the system detects this anomaly and can alert operators or automatically log the failure. This feedback loop ensures timely detection of bulb failures and maintains high reliability by preventing unnoticed illumination failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional incandescent bulbs with LED light sources that have significantly longer operational lifetimes and higher reliability. LEDs consume less energy, generate less heat, and are more durable, eliminating the frequent bulb failures associated with incandescent lighting while maintaining bright illumination for memorial purposes.
3Productivity
If automated control is implemented, then the productivity increases and errors are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit is designed as a universal system that can manage multiple light bulbs with different anniversary dates and durations using a single integrated device. The system stores multiple anniversary date records and automatically manages the illumination schedule for numerous memorial subjects, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms into one multi-functional unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electronic storage to copy and retain anniversary date information for each memorial subject, allowing the controller to reference and reproduce the correct illumination schedules without manual intervention. This electronic copying of date data enables automated retrieval and processing of anniversary information, improving efficiency while keeping the control logic manageable.
4Reliability
If manual checking is performed to detect bulb failures, then the system remains simple, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated feedback system continuously monitors the illumination status of each light bulb and immediately detects when a bulb fails to illuminate during its scheduled anniversary period. This real-time monitoring eliminates the need for periodic manual inspections, reducing the time loss associated with bulb checking while maintaining high reliability through immediate failure detection and notification.
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
Automates the illumination process for anniversaries and holidays, reducing manual effort and errors, and includes diagnostic tools to ensure proper operation and timely replacement of light sources, enhancing reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the light sources are in electrical communication with a controller circuit that automatically activates and deactivates the at least one light source of each light fixture. The at least one memorial device includes at least one plaque having indicia printed near the at least one light fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A memorial display system is described including at least one memorial device having a plurality light fixtures with each light fixture having at least one light source. Each of the light sources are in electrical communication with a controller circuit that automatically activates and deactivates the at least one light source of each light fixture according to at least one anniversary date and for a duration period stored in the memory. In one embodiment, each light source is part of a light bar with up to 5 lights. The light bars are commonly strung together to create various runs of lighting opportunities allowing for different overall sizes of the automated memorial system.