Multi-control Phase Dimming via Live Wire Signal Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic Triac and electronic control dimmers lack multi-location dimming control features, requiring a Neutral wire connection for commercial dimming systems, making installation difficult in domestic settings where only a Live wire is available, necessitating costly rewiring.
Innovation Solution
A multi-control phase control dimming system that embeds control signals into the voltage supply line for communication between dimming control modules, using a single communication wire connected to the Live wire, allowing for multi-location dimming control without the need for Neutral wire connections, utilizing a Master Dimmer and Dimming Control Modules with embedded circuits for signal detection, encoding, and phase control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If commercial dimming systems are used to provide multi-location dimming control, then multi-location dimming control feature is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to requirement of both Live and Neutral wire connection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the Neutral wire connection requirement from the dimming system by using a single Live wire for both power supply and communication. The control signals are embedded into the Live wire, eliminating the need for Neutral wire connection at remote control locations, thus simplifying installation while maintaining multi-location control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Live wire is assigned multiple functions: it serves as both the power supply conductor and the communication channel for control signals. By embedding control signals into the Live wire, the system achieves multi-location dimming control without requiring separate communication wiring or Neutral wire connection, reducing installation complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercial dimming systems are installed in domestic applications with single Live wire back boxes, then multi-location dimming control is achieved, but rewiring is required which increases installation cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing Live wire infrastructure already present in domestic installations to provide both power and communication functions. By embedding control signals into the existing Live wire, the system enables multi-location dimming control without requiring any rewiring work, saving installation time and costs while maintaining adaptability to existing domestic electrical infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If electronic switches replace mechanical switches for ON/OFF control, then electronic control capability is improved, but multi-location dimming control feature is lost in existing domestic Triac and electronic control dimmers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary communication mechanism by embedding control signals into the Live wire. This allows electronic control capability to be extended across multiple locations without requiring separate communication infrastructure. The embedded signals act as intermediaries that carry control commands from remote locations to the master dimmer, enabling multi-location dimming control while maintaining electronic control advantages.
Data Source
AI summary
A master dimmer and one or more dimming control modules use embedded pulse width modulation signal to carry out phase control dimming for lighting equipment. Communication between the master dimmer and the dimming control module(s) is carried out on a communication wire which connects between them. Encoded control signals are embedded onto the voltage carrying communication wire for the communication between the master dimmer and all the dimming control modules. The master dimmer is the only device which connects to the load, such as lamps. Dimming control modules send embedded control commands to the master dimmer and the master dimmer will decode the control commands and then carry out phase control dimming to the load. The combination of master dimmer and dimming control modules provides a simple multi locations dimming control system.