Presence Sensor Lighting System Minimum Duration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems that use time circuits or simple presence sensors often result in inadequate lighting duration, either switching off too quickly or wasting energy, as they require the entire area to be covered by the detection zone, leading to reduced comfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A presence sensor system with a control unit and switching device that allows lighting to be switched on via user input, using a button, and maintains the lighting for a minimum duration even if the person leaves the detection area, ensuring adequate lighting duration while minimizing energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire area is covered by presence sensors, then the lighting switches on automatically when needed, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary button interface that mediates between the user and the presence sensor system. When pressed, the button generates a voltage increase that the control unit detects and interprets as a presence signal, effectively acting as a manual trigger that bypasses the need for comprehensive sensor coverage. This intermediary mechanism allows users to activate lighting without requiring the entire area to be covered by sensors.
2Loss of energy
If a timer is used to control lighting duration, then energy consumption is reduced, but the lighting may switch off too quickly for users needing longer illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting duration control where the control unit adapts the lighting duration based on detected presence. When a person is detected within the detection range during the minimum duration period, the control unit extends the lighting beyond the preset minimum duration. This dynamic adjustment ensures energy efficiency for brief visits while providing adequate illumination for users who need longer lighting, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and sufficient lighting duration.
3Ease of operation
If the lighting duration is extended overall, then users spending average time get adequate lighting, but energy is wasted unnecessarily for users who spend less time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts lighting duration based on real-time presence detection. The control unit monitors whether a person remains within the detection range and extends lighting accordingly. This means lighting is extended only when needed (when presence is detected) rather than using a fixed extended duration for all cases, thereby providing adequate lighting for users who need it while avoiding unnecessary energy waste for brief visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the presence sensor continuously monitors the detection area and provides information to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts the lighting duration. The system receives feedback about user presence and adjusts its operation accordingly, ensuring energy efficiency while maintaining adequate lighting duration for those who need it.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a presence sensor (6, 6') and to a lighting system (1) comprising such a presence sensor (6, 6'). The presence sensor (6, 6') is capable of detecting a signal applied at the interface (8, 8') on the output side with respect to a voltage increase and closing a switch device (9, 9') for a minimum duration upon detecting such a voltage increase in order to output a control signal at the interface (8, 8'). The control signal is supplied to a control input (16, 16') of an actuation circuit (5, 5') for a lighting means (4, 4'), in particular an LED, said actuation circuit supplying electric energy to the LED (4, 4') when a control signal is applied and thus switching on the light.