Power Transmission Circuit for Intelligent Lighting Commissioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commissioning techniques for intelligent lighting fixtures are cumbersome, requiring physical access and additional components, and are vulnerable to interference, making them inefficient and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission circuit using high-voltage electrical wiring with a parallel arrangement of a diode and a relay to transmit commissioning signals via modified AC power signals, allowing commissioning without physical contact or additional components, and enhancing security by reducing wireless transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing commissioning techniques are used requiring physical access to depress buttons on lighting fixtures, then commissioning can be performed, but the ease of operation deteriorates as technicians must move ladders and physically access each fixture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-depressing system with an electrical signal transmission system through the power line. The commissioning signal is sent electrically through the existing power wiring to trigger the commissioning mode remotely, eliminating the need for physical mechanical interaction with the fixture buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power line communication intermediary that transmits commissioning signals through the existing electrical power infrastructure. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the technician and the lighting fixture, enabling remote commissioning without direct physical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components such as low-voltage wiring or PLC transceivers are added for commissioning, then commissioning functionality is enabled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power line serve multiple functions: it continues to provide electrical power to the lighting fixtures while simultaneously serving as a communication channel for transmitting commissioning signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated commissioning infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transmission function and the commissioning signal transmission function into a single medium (the existing power line). By combining these two functions, the system avoids adding separate wiring or communication infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If RF signals are used for commissioning, then wireless communication is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to interference and security threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the existing electrical power infrastructure, which is inherently shielded and secure, into a communication medium. By using the power line that already exists in the building's electrical system, the commissioning signals benefit from the physical security and interference resistance of the wired electrical infrastructure.
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 method simplifies and secures the commissioning process by eliminating the need for physical access and reducing interference, improving efficiency and comfort for technicians while enhancing the security of the intelligent lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
The power transmission circuit includes a parallel arrangement of a diode and a relay. The power transmission circuit comprises a power input provided to the diode and a contact of the relay, the power input being configured to receive a power signal having an AC waveform.
Implementation Method 2
The power transmission circuit comprises a control input that is configured to receive the commissioning signal. The power transmission circuit is configured to provide the power signal to an intelligent lighting fixture during a closed state of the contact. The power transmission circuit is further configured to activate an open state of the contact responsive to receiving the commissioning signal.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent lighting system may be installed using pre-existing electrical wiring, such as in a construction or retrofit environment. An intelligent lighting controller and an intelligent lighting fixture may be connected via electrical wiring that is configured for transmitting AC power signals. A commissioning signal may be transmitted to the intelligent lighting fixtures via the electrical wiring. In some cases, a power transmission circuit included in the intelligent lighting controller modifies portions of the AC power signal to indicate the commissioning signal. The power transmission circuit may modify the portions of the AC signal via passive components. The intelligent lighting fixtures may receive the commissioning signal via the electrical wiring. In some cases, each intelligent lighting fixture that is connected to the electrical wiring, such as each intelligent lighting fixture on a lighting circuit in a room, receives the commissioning signal.