Optical Control of LED Illuminators via Lightguide Sockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED illuminators face challenges in integrating with existing electrical AC systems due to the need for rectification and regulation of AC power, and the prohibition of separate low voltage control lines, which complicates control signal propagation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of lightguide and fiber optic cables to transmit control signals directly to LED illuminators through standard AC sockets, providing a noise-insulated medium for communication and control, allowing for remote operation and monitoring of LED devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate low voltage control lines are connected to LED illuminators, then control signal propagation is enabled, but electrical and building codes prohibit this approach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lightguide cables as an intermediary medium to transmit control signals optically instead of electrically. This mediator allows control signals to reach the LED illuminator without requiring separate low voltage control lines that would violate electrical codes, thus resolving the contradiction between enabling control and maintaining code compliance.
2Ease of operation
If switching power regulators are introduced to rectify and regulate AC power for LEDs, then LED operation is enabled, but noise and signal disruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical switching power regulator system with an optical control system using lightguides. By substituting electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission, the harmful electromagnetic noise and signal disruption caused by switching regulators are eliminated, while LED operation is maintained through optical control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard AC sockets are used without modifications, then existing electrical infrastructure is utilized, but no terminals or pins are available for control line connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the standard AC socket multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional electrical power function and a new optical control function. Lightguide cables are integrated into the existing AC socket infrastructure, allowing control signals to be transmitted through the same physical interface without requiring separate control wiring, thus achieving both infrastructure utilization and control capability.
4Device complexity
If low voltage control wires are mixed with power wires, then control and power are integrated, but safety hazards and code violations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical control wiring with optical lightguide cables that run alongside power wires without electrical contact. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards of mixing low voltage control wires with high voltage power wires, as optical fibers are electrically isolated and cannot conduct electricity, while still achieving integrated control and power delivery.
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
This solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and code-compliant control of LED illuminators, allowing for remote operation and energy management, while avoiding the complexities and hazards of mixing low voltage control wires with power wires.
Implementation Method 1
The use of lightguide and/or fiber optic cables for propagating control and command signals
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for propagating optical signals via optical cables such as plastic optical fiber, known as lightguide joint and mingled with the electrical wiring and home automation system for controlling LED illuminators enclosed in standard screw type bulb bases or plug- in bases, such as used for halogen lamp via optical signal propagated through such standard bases. Same optical signals are propagated through power outlets and via power cable assemblies to electrical appliances for controlling the appliances operation and on-off switching. Full range of control, distribution, signal conversion, keypads and touch screen including video interphones monitors and shopping terminals operate and controls such home automation via the optical cables.