Multimode Switch for Wireless Lighting Group Commissioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting wired building lighting systems to wireless networks are labor-intensive and error-prone, requiring devices to be identified and located one at a time, which is time-consuming and costly, and often necessitate human intervention, increasing the risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A multimode switch with a wireless transceiver, line voltage switch, and switch controller that allows for autonomous commissioning and grouping of wireless devices, enabling simultaneous identification, location, and functional grouping without serial processing, using existing infrastructure to minimize labor and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices are identified and located one at a time using present day techniques, then device identification and location determination can be achieved, but the process becomes labor intensive, time consuming, and error prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device identification and location determination operations into a single simultaneous process. The system identifies and locates multiple wireless devices at the same time rather than sequentially, merging what were previously separate serial operations into one parallel commissioning event, thereby reducing total commissioning time while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the wireless network infrastructure and commissioning protocols before actual device deployment. This allows devices to be automatically identified and located as they are added to the network, rather than requiring manual configuration after installation, significantly reducing on-site commissioning time
2Reliability
If manual techniques are used for identifying and locating devices, then device information can be obtained, but labor costs increase and human error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless devices perform self-identification and self-location reporting automatically when they join the network. Each device transmits its identifying information and location data autonomously without requiring manual data entry or configuration by technicians, eliminating human error while maintaining reliable device registration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (technicians physically locating and configuring devices) with automated wireless communication systems. The mechanical act of manual device identification and configuration is substituted with electronic automatic detection and reporting, reducing both labor requirements and error potential
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless controls are configured to control light fixtures in specific areas, then proper functional grouping can be achieved, but the configuration process becomes complex and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary functional grouping by automatically analyzing device locations and wireless signal characteristics during initial network setup. This pre-configures appropriate functional groups before actual lighting control operations begin, allowing the system to adapt to different spatial configurations without requiring complex manual grouping decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The functional grouping configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors device locations and network conditions, automatically adjusting functional group assignments as devices are added or removed from the network, thereby adapting to changing building configurations without increasing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode switch is provided that has a wireless transceiver, a line voltage switch, and a switch controller. The wireless transceiver is configured to transmit and receive messages over a wireless network. The line voltage switch is coupled to a line voltage and to one or more wireless devices. The switch controller, responsive to first messages received over the wireless network, is configured to direct the line voltage switch to provide the line voltage to, and subsequently remove line voltage from, the one or more wireless devices, and is configured to receive first identifying information and functional group designation for the one or more wireless devices in second messages over the wireless network, and is configured to thereafter control the one or more wireless devices according to the identifying information and functional group designation via transmission of third messages over the wireless network.