Integrated Pool Light PLC Control for Reliable Group Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pool and spa lighting systems have limited color and mode options due to communication bandwidth constraints and the inability to individually control each light, and using power line communications (PLC) with low voltage transformers can weaken signal strength.
Innovation Solution
An integrated control device with a transformer and controller in a single housing transforms high voltage to low voltage power and sends control instructions via PLC signals directly to lighting devices, allowing for enhanced control and synchronization across multiple systems without additional wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power line communications are used with low voltage transformers, then communication capabilities are added without additional wires, but signal strength is reduced when passing through the transformer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge circuit as an intermediary component between the transformer and the PLC communication line. This bridge circuit compensates for the signal strength reduction caused by the transformer by actively boosting the PLC signal amplitude, thereby maintaining reliable communication while preserving the advantage of using existing low-voltage power lines for communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters of the power line by injecting additional signal components through the bridge circuit. This changes the voltage and current characteristics of the power line to optimize PLC signal transmission, effectively compensating for the signal attenuation introduced by the transformer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lighting systems are used, then installation is simple, but color and mode options are limited due to communication bandwidth constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power line serve multiple functions: it provides both power transmission and data communication. By utilizing the same electrical conductors for both purposes, the system avoids adding separate communication wiring while enabling advanced control features like individual light addressing, multiple color modes, and synchronized lighting across the entire pool system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical control methods (switches, dimmers, separate control wires) with electrical signal-based communication through the power line. This substitution enables digital control and individual light addressing without requiring additional physical infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If additional wires are added for communication, then individual light control is enabled, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power line serve multiple functions: it provides both power transmission and data communication. By utilizing the same electrical conductors for both purposes, the system avoids adding separate communication wiring while enabling advanced control features like individual light addressing, multiple color modes, and synchronized lighting across the entire pool system.
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 smooth color transitions, real-time monitoring, and easy light group assignment, while avoiding light flicker and reducing installation complexity by integrating transformer and controller in a single unit.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer includes a high voltage input configurable to receive first power from an external source, and a low voltage output configurable to transport second power from the transformer
Implementation Method 2
send, via the electrical connection, control information based on the control instructions to the lighting device using the electrical connection when the lighting device is connected to the low voltage output via the electrical connection
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device can be assigned to a light group by a controller. The controller can read a plurality of addresses associated with a plurality of lighting devices. The controller can send a set of addresses of the plurality of addresses to a computing device. Responsive to receiving a first instruction from the computing device that identifies a first address of the set of addresses, the controller can cause a first lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to emit a first light. Responsive to receiving a second instruction from the computing device, the controller can assign the first lighting device to a first light group.