Motion Detector Lighting Control with Manual Override Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical/electronic installation devices with motion detectors lack flexibility in operating modes, as they typically offer only fully automatic or manual operation, failing to provide customizable options that cater to specific user needs, such as energy-saving and user convenience in various environments.

Innovation Solution

An electrical/electronic installation device with a motion detector and manual switching device that allows customers to set four distinct operating modes: fully automatic, manual, semi-automatic with manual switch-on and automatic switch-off, and semi-automatic with automatic switch-on and manual switch-off, enabling customizable lighting control based on user preferences and environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a motion detector with fully automatic operation is used, then energy-saving control is achieved, but user flexibility and manual control capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidoperating mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between fully automatic and manual operating modes based on user needs. The operating mode can change from automatic (for energy saving) to manual (for user control) and back, making the system adaptable rather than fixed in one state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The installation device combines multiple functions in one unit: it can operate as a fully automatic motion-activated switch, as a manual switch, or as a dimmer. This multi-functionality allows a single device to meet different user needs in different situations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a motion detector with automatic operation is used, then convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases due to lack of manual control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic control convenienceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic switching between automatic and manual modes, enabling users to choose automatic operation for convenience when needed, and manual operation when energy conservation is the priority

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching device is added, then operating mode flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motion detector, manual switching device, and dimmer functions into a single integrated installation device. This merging approach provides multiple operating modes without requiring separate devices, thus managing complexity through integration rather than addition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The device provides enhanced user control and energy management by allowing users to choose operating modes that suit specific contexts, such as automatic lighting in twilight and manual override in dark environments, ensuring energy efficiency and user convenience, with the ability to switch between modes for different settings.

Implementation Method 1

an IR detector/lens arrangement 3 (possibly including a mirror for deflecting IR radiation) with a pyroelectric infrared sensor (preferably dual sensor) and preferably a Fresnel lens for the detection of IR radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

with a pyroelectric infrared sensor (preferably dual sensor)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

preferably a Fresnel lens for the detection of IR radiation from a 'moving' heat source in a wide detection range (preferably 180°)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFresnel lens focusing: Fresnel Lens

Implementation Method 4

a daylight sensor 5 (light-dependent photoresistor or photodiode) to form a twilight switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1843366B1Electrical/electronic installation device with motion detector and manual switch device
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 ABB AG(DE)
  • EP1843366B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1843366B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An electrical/electronic installation device with a motion detector microprocessor (2) is proposed, which controls a switching element (9) for a lighting device on its output side, and which receives signals on its input side from an IR detector/lens arrangement (3), a daylight sensor (5), a time setting (6) for specifying a switch-off delay, a twilight setting (7) for specifying a light level below which the device should operate, and a manual switching device (8). It is important that the time setting (6) can be set to an infinitely long switch-off delay and that the twilight setting (7) can be set to an infinitely low light level.In this way, the device can be advantageously set by the customer to four different operating modes: a fully automatic operating mode specified or controlled by the motion detector, a manual operating mode specified by the manual switching device, a semi-automatic operating mode with manual switching on by actuating the switching device and automatic switching off by the motion detector, and a semi-automatic operating mode with automatic switching on by the motion detector and manual switching off by actuating the switching device.