Press-Fit Lighting Connector for Smart Switchless Scene Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home lighting control systems are often complex and require expert installation, with smart light bulbs being limited by associated light switches and fixtures, leading to inoperability when the switch is turned off, and lack user-friendly customization options.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control system featuring a module housing with a switch control circuit, graphical user interface, and electrical connectors for seamless power and data transmission, including a rechargeable battery, wireless communication, and sensors, allowing for customizable lighting scenes and remote operation through a tactile display and actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart light bulbs are associated with traditional light switches and fixtures, then the lighting control system can be simple and compatible with existing infrastructure, but the smart light bulb becomes inoperable when the switch is turned off and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switch control functionality from the traditional light switch and relocates it to the smart light bulb itself. The microcontroller within the smart light bulb directly controls the LED driver circuit, enabling the bulb to operate independently without being dependent on external switch positions. This allows the bulb to remain operable and customizable even when traditional switches are in different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart light bulb is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both lighting emission and control processing within a single device. The bulb serves as both the light source and the control unit, capable of responding to various input signals (wireless communications, sensors) and providing multiple output modes (different colors, brightness levels, lighting scenes). This universal design enables continuous operation and extensive customization regardless of traditional switch states.
2Extent of automation
If automated home lighting control systems include large, complex central hubs, then centralized control and automation capabilities are improved, but expert or skilled technicians are required for installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control system into distributed intelligent units. Each smart light bulb contains its own microcontroller and processing capabilities, eliminating the need for a large central hub. The system is divided into independent functional modules (bulbs, switches, sensors) that can operate autonomously and communicate wirelessly, simplifying installation while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart light bulbs are designed with self-configuration capabilities through wireless communication protocols. During installation, bulbs automatically discover and connect to the network, register themselves, and configure control parameters without requiring expert technicians. The system performs self-service functions including automatic pairing, address assignment, and control setup, making installation accessible to end-users.
3Quantity of substance
If lighting control systems use press fit electrical connectors with multiple pins, then power and data transmission capabilities are improved, but connector alignment and assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate electrical connections into a single integrated press-fit connector assembly. The connector housing contains multiple pins arranged in a fixed pattern, with corresponding contact elements in the receptacle. This unified structure ensures that all electrical connections (power, data, control signals) are established simultaneously through one insertion action, reducing alignment requirements compared to making multiple separate connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector design features nested structures where multiple contact elements are housed within a single connector body. The pins are nested within the connector housing, which provides mechanical guidance and alignment features. This nested arrangement protects the delicate electrical contacts while ensuring proper alignment during assembly, reducing the precision requirements for individual contact elements.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system including an electrical connector interface. The lighting control system includes a module housing, a switch control circuit positioned in the module housing and including a processor configured to modulate a flow of electrical energy to a lighting circuit via a dimmer circuit to produce a plurality of lighting scenes. The lighting control system includes a graphical user interface coupled to the module housing and communicably coupled to the switch control circuit. The lighting control system includes a first electrical connector electrically connected to the switch control circuit and at least one of extending from and recessed in a surface of the module housing. The electrical connector includes a plurality of electrical pins. The first electrical connector is configured for a press fit engagement with a second electrical connector of a base module.