Momentary Circuit Interrupt Lighting Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting control systems waste energy by maintaining high initial power levels for light sources even when lower light levels are sufficient and require multiple electronic switches to control each power supply in multi-light source fixtures, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A circuit that toggles between multiple drivers within a lighting fixture to adjust light output levels, using momentary interruptions of AC power to control the supply to different light sources, allowing for remote control and minimizing initial power consumption by starting with minimum light levels and adjusting as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional control systems maintain high initial power levels for light sources, then light sources can be reliably energized, but energy is wasted when low light levels would suffice
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple power supply configurations based on operational requirements. Initially, all power supplies are activated to ensure reliable light source energization. After a predetermined time period, the control system dynamically reconfigures to use only a subset of power supplies, reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient light output for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using all power supplies initially (excessive action for reliability) and then transitioning to using only a portion of the power supplies (partial action for energy efficiency). This staged approach ensures reliable startup while minimizing energy consumption during sustained operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple electronic switches are used to individually control each power supply, then precise control of light output levels is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control function of multiple individual electronic switches into a single control mechanism. Instead of requiring separate switches for each power supply, a single control system coordinates the operation of multiple power supplies, achieving precise light output control while significantly reducing the number of user-facing controls and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs multiple functions: it manages the sequential activation of power supplies, controls the transition between high and low power modes, and provides user interface for light level selection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple dedicated switches, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit designed to reduce energy consumption by toggling between a plurality of conventional or electronic fluorescent lighting ballasts within a given fixture, and where said toggle circuit shall increase or decrease fixture light output levels according to immediate requirements. Toggle circuit may be remotely controlled from conventional Mains wall switch or other such means. Initial applications of Mains power automatically provides the minimum of light levels. Additional momentary interruptions to Mains power provides varied and/or additional lighting levels.