Off-Fixture Lighting Control Circuit for Flexible LED Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED light fixtures often require integrated lighting control circuitry, limiting installation choices and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The separation of lighting control circuitry from the fixture, allowing for controller circuitry to be disposed separately from the light tape, with components like a PLC module, microcontroller, and voltage conversion circuitry to decode and transmit lighting control information via AC voltage, enabling flexible installation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lighting control circuitry is integrated into the fixture, then the fixture structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but installation flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into separate functional modules: the light tape fixture and the controller circuitry. The controller is detached from the fixture and can be installed independently at different locations, enabling flexible installation configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The controller circuitry is extracted from the fixture structure and placed in a separate location. This allows the fixture to remain simple for manufacturing while the controller can be positioned flexibly during installation to meet various spatial and functional requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If controller circuitry is disposed separately from the light tape, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The separate controller is designed as a universal unit that can control multiple light tapes or different types of LED fixtures. This multi-functionality justifies the additional complexity by providing system-wide control capabilities rather than fixture-specific control, reducing overall system complexity through standardization
3Adaptability or versatility
If control circuitry is separated from the fixture, then customizable lighting solutions are enabled, but the fixture design becomes more complex requiring additional connection interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of lighting control architectures. Users can choose to control fixtures individually or group multiple fixtures under a single controller, allowing the system to adapt to different customization needs without requiring complex fixture designs for each scenario
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 flexible installation and control of LED lighting systems by separating the control circuitry, allowing for modular and customizable lighting solutions without being limited by fixture design.
Implementation Method 1
The controller circuitry may include a power line communication ('PLC') module. The PLC module may decode the encoded lighting control information.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods and systems for lighting control are provided. The apparatus may include a transceiver configured to receive lighting control information from a power source. The apparatus may include lighting control circuitry. The lighting control circuitry may receive a first voltage from the power source. The lighting control circuitry may convert the first voltage into a second voltage. The lighting control circuitry may obtain a light level from the lighting control information. The apparatus may include a connector. The connected may transmit the second voltage and a current corresponding to the light level to a light emitting diode (“LED”) light source. The transceiver, the lighting control circuitry, and the connector may be disposed in a housing. The LED light source may be disposed in a fixture. The lighting control circuitry may be structurally separate from and in electronic communication with the fixture.