Modulated Current Lighting Control via Series Bypass Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in providing flexible control of individual lighting units while minimizing installation and operational costs, and they often require dedicated wires for power and data connections, leading to complex wiring and inconsistent light intensity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system with integrated electrical current supply and control units that use modulated direct or alternating current to convey command data, allowing each lighting unit to be controlled via controllable bypassing means, eliminating the need for separate power and data wires and ensuring consistent light intensity across units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated wires are used for power and data connections in lighting systems, then control flexibility is improved, but wiring complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication into a single electrical current signal. The system control unit modulates command data onto the power current itself, allowing both power supply and control information to travel through the same wiring infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for separate data wires and reducing wiring complexity while maintaining control flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical current serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power to the lighting units and carries modulated command data for control purposes. This multi-functional use of a single signal type simplifies the system architecture and reduces the number of required connections, directly addressing the wiring complexity issue while preserving adaptability
2Device complexity
If series connection is used for lighting units, then wiring outlay is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where each lighting unit's response (or lack thereof) to modulated commands is detected by subsequent units. This allows the system to identify individual units within the series connection and send targeted control signals to specific units while maintaining the simplified series wiring architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities into the series connection system through time-varying modulated signals. By varying the modulation pattern over time and using acknowledgment feedback, the system can dynamically address individual units within the series string, achieving precise control without requiring complex parallel wiring for each unit
3Device complexity
If modulated current is used for command data transmission, then wiring simplicity is improved, but signal interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial modulation of the current signal, where only specific portions of the current cycle are modulated with control data while other portions remain as standard power delivery. This approach allows data transmission without completely disrupting the power supply function, reducing the risk of signal interference affecting normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary or single-use modulation patterns that are activated only during specific control cycles. The modulated signal is applied briefly during data transmission phases and then returns to standard operation, minimizing the duration of potential interference and allowing the system to recover quickly if interference occurs
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 reduces wiring complexity, ensures stable and consistent light output, and allows for flexible control of individual lighting units, including color adjustment, while simplifying installation and operation through automatic configuration and address assignment.
Implementation Method 1
Modulation in the present context is understood as any type of varying the carrier (supply current) over time in order to convey information
Implementation Method 2
In order to control operation of a light source, there are controllable bypassing means provided according to the invention, allowing to selectively bypass the light source
Implementation Method 3
Each lighting unit comprises a controller for individually controlling LED (or other) light sources
Implementation Method 4
They are connected to a common power supply either serially or in parallel. Each lighting unit comprises a controller for individually controlling LED (or other) light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system, a lighting unit and a method for controlling a plurality of light sources are described. A lighting system comprises an intelligent electrical current supply 12 to supply an electrical current with modulated command data. A plurality of lighting units 4, 6, 8 are connected in series to the current supply 12. Each lighting unit comprises a light source 22, a controllable bypassing switch 24 to selectively bypass the light source and a control unit 26. The control unit receives the modulated command data and controls the bypassing switch 24 accordingly.