Networked Lighting Power Failure Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems lack the ability to reliably report a power failure state to a network, as devices connected to switched circuits may not have power available when the switch is turned off, disrupting communication and automation functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A networked lighting apparatus that includes energy storage, power detection circuitry, and a network interface, allowing it to detect power disconnection and send a network message indicating an off state using stored energy, ensuring continuous communication even when the external power source is disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are connected to switched circuits for power control, then lighting control functionality is improved, but power availability for communication is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device accumulates energy during periods when power is available (when the switch is on) so that communication functions can operate during periods when power is disconnected (when the switch is off). This preliminary energy accumulation resolves the contradiction by ensuring communication reliability is maintained despite the intermittent power availability from switched circuits.
2Ease of operation
If power is disconnected from the lighting apparatus, then lighting off state is achieved, but power failure reporting capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device stores energy in advance during when power is available, enabling the communication function to operate long enough to report the power failure state before the stored energy is depleted. This allows the system to maintain the lighting off state while still being able to communicate the power failure condition to the network.
3Reliability
If energy storage is added to the lighting apparatus, then power failure reporting is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device serves multiple functions: it enables communication during power failures, provides backup power for the control circuitry, and maintains system operation during transient power disruptions. By making the energy storage component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables reliable reporting of power failure states to the network, maintaining communication and automation functionalities even during power outages by using stored energy to send necessary messages, ensuring seamless operation and user control.
Implementation Method 1
storing energy in a networked lighting apparatus and detecting that an external power source has been disconnected from the networked lighting apparatus
Implementation Method 2
A networked lighting apparatus or system includes at least one light emitting element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Power is stored in a networked light allowing the networked light to send a message over the network providing information that the networked light is turning off if external power is no longer available.