Outdoor Lamp Control via Phase Line Signal Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling outdoor lights, such as street lights, are complex and require additional cables and electronics, making them difficult to implement and manage, especially for differentiated control and configuration.

Innovation Solution

The use of pulse length-coded or pulse height-coded signals transmitted via the second phase line, allowing control of outdoor lights using simple and robust means, where the control device decodes the signals to regulate brightness and operating states without the need for complex electronics or additional cables, enabling individual control of multiple lights with a single control signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modulated information is applied to the mains voltage supply signal for control, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases due to complex technology requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidtechnology complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the existing second phase line as an intermediary carrier for control signals. Instead of requiring complex modulation technology on the mains supply, the control system transmits encoded voltage information through the second phase line, which naturally carries power to the lights. This intermediary approach simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The second phase line serves dual purposes: it provides power to the lights and simultaneously carries control signals. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate control wiring and complex modulation electronics, reducing device complexity while preserving control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second phase line is used to control relay and brightness, then control capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional cables and electronics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidcables and electronics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second phase line is designed to perform multiple functions: it supplies power to the lighting system and simultaneously serves as a communication channel for control signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control cables and reduces electronic complexity by using the existing power infrastructure for both purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power transmission function and control signal transmission function into a single infrastructure (the second phase line). By combining these functions, the system avoids the complexity of separate control wiring and electronics while maintaining full control capability over brightness and relay operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If serial buses are used for light control, then differentiated control is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional cables and electronics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferentiated controlVSAvoidcables and electronics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second phase line acts as an intermediary that carries both power and control information. Instead of requiring separate serial bus cables and complex communication electronics, the system encodes control information in voltage characteristics on the existing second phase line, achieving differentiated control with minimal additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2182778B1Method for controlling an external light and corresponding lamps
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 SITECO GMBH
  • EP2182778B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The method involves connecting the current supply inlet with a phase line (1). The controller has a control input (10) connected with another phase line (5). The pulse length coded signals or pulse height coded signals are emitted by the latter phase line, which are decoded by the controller and are used for controlling the lamp. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) an outdoor lamp, particularly street lamp with a control unit; and (2) a line system for an outdoor lamp, particularly street lamp.