Multi-Dimmer Control for Large-Load Power Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dimming control methods for KNX bus systems are inflexible, leading to mismatches between dimmer power and load power, which can result in inefficient control of multiple loads.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that includes an on-off control circuit, dimmers with dimming control units, detection units, and switch units, allowing for reliable control of multiple dimmers to simultaneously deliver voltage to loads with large power by detecting live wire voltage thresholds and generating turn-on indication signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If single-channel control manner is used, then power of controlled load can be relatively large, but only one group of loads can be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower of controlled loadVSAvoidnumber of controllable load groups
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple dimmers into a single multi-channel dimming control device, where each dimmer channel can independently control a group of loads. The control unit integrates multiple dimming control functions, allowing simultaneous control of multiple load groups while maintaining the ability to handle large power loads through parallel channel operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-channel control manner is used, then multiple groups of loads can be controlled, but power of each group of loads is relatively small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of controllable load groupsVSAvoidpower of each group of loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into multiple independent dimmer channels, each capable of handling substantial power loads. Each channel includes its own dimming control unit, detection unit, and execution unit, allowing independent control of large power loads while simultaneously managing multiple load groups through the segmented channel architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If existing dimming control method is used, then control can be implemented, but flexibility is insufficient causing mismatch between dimmer power and load power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of controlVSAvoidmatch between dimmer power and load power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power matching through detection units that monitor load power characteristics in real-time. The dimming control unit dynamically adjusts dimmer parameters based on detected load conditions, ensuring optimal matching between dimmer output capacity and actual load requirements. This dynamic adaptation provides both flexibility in controlling different load types and reliability through precise power matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4642163A1Apparatus and method for dimming
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4642163A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4642163A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4642163A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an apparatus and method for dimming. The apparatus includes an on-off control circuit capable of generating a turn-on control signal; and a plurality of dimmers, each dimmer including a dimming control unit, a dimming execution unit, a detection unit and a switch unit, the dimming control unit being coupled to the on-off control circuit to receive the turn-on control signal, the dimming execution unit being connected to the dimming control unit and a live wire, the detection unit being connected to the dimming execution unit and the dimming control unit and being capable of detecting a voltage of the live wire and generating a turn-on indication signal, the switch unit being connected to the live wire, a load and the dimming control unit, the dimming control unit being capable of controlling the switch unit and the dimming execution unit to be turned on.