Parallel Smart Dimmers for Multi-Location Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple location dimming systems cannot effectively include smart dimmers at both locations of three-way or four-way systems without requiring additional remote switches, leading to increased costs and user unawareness of the need for remote switches during installation.
Innovation Solution
A multiple location dimming system with two smart dimmers connected in parallel, each controlling the power delivered to a lighting load, allowing for independent operation and communication to manage the lighting intensity and status indicators at both locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one three-way dimmer switch is used in a three-way system, then dimming control is achieved at one location, but the system cannot provide dimming control at both locations without additional remote switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two dimmer switches into a single three-way system where both dimmers are electrically connected in parallel between the line and load. This merging allows both switches to function as dimmers simultaneously without requiring separate remote switches, resolving the contradiction by enabling multi-location dimming control while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes both switches universal by enabling each to function as a full-featured dimmer switch rather than one dimmer and one simple toggle. Each switch can independently control the load with dimming capability, providing multi-functionality that eliminates the need for additional remote switches while enhancing operational flexibility
2Ease of operation
If two dimmer circuits are wired in series, then the load can be controlled, but the system can only include one dimmer switch located on either the line side or load side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two dimmer circuits by wiring them in parallel rather than series, allowing both dimmers to operate simultaneously at different locations. This parallel configuration enables both switches to control the load independently while maintaining compatibility with standard three-way switch wiring practices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional series wiring approach by using parallel wiring for the two dimmer switches. This inversion allows both dimmers to be active simultaneously rather than requiring one dimmer to control the other, thereby increasing the number of functional dimmer locations from one to two
3Loss of information
If smart dimmers are installed at both locations of a three-way system, then user feedback is enhanced through status indicators, but installation costs increase due to requiring additional remote switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple smart dimmers into a single three-way system configuration where both switches provide status indicators and user feedback. This merging eliminates the need for additional remote switches while maintaining enhanced user feedback at both locations, thereby reducing installation complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes both switches universal smart dimmers with status indicators, allowing each switch to provide independent user feedback rather than requiring one smart dimmer and one simple toggle. This multi-functionality enhances user feedback availability while avoiding the need for additional remote switches
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A multiple location dimming system comprises a plurality of dimmers coupled between an AC power source and a lighting load. Each of the plurality of dimmers is operable to control the intensity of the lighting load and comprises a controllably conductive device, e.g., a triac. The triacs of the plurality of dimmers are coupled in parallel electrical connection. Only an active one of the dimmers is operable to conduct a load current to the lighting load at any given time. A passive dimmer is operable to monitor the voltage across its triac in order to determine when the active dimmer is firing its triac. Accordingly, the passive dimmer is operable to fire its triac before the active dimmer fires its triac in order to "take over" control of the lighting load from the active dimmer to become the next active dimmer. Further, the passive dimmer is operable to determine the amount of power being delivered to the load and display this information on one or more status indicators.