Programmable Lighting Device Using AC Frequency Clock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional animated signs are expensive, difficult to maintain, and labor-intensive due to the need for multiple electrical circuits and custom-built controllers to create complex lighting effects, with any channel failure affecting the entire system.
Innovation Solution
A programmable lighting effect device that uses a clock signal converter to synchronize lighting effects across multiple devices connected to a common power source, allowing individual control of each light bulb while operating independently, using a processor and memory to execute pre-programmed instructions and convert AC frequency into a clock signal for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical circuits and custom-built controllers are used to create complex lighting effects, then the lighting effects become more complex and visually appealing, but the device cost, manufacturing complexity, and maintenance difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting control into independent modular units, where each lighting device contains its own controller and can operate independently. This segmentation allows complex lighting effects to be achieved through coordination of simple individual units rather than requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal controllers that can be used across multiple lighting devices and configurations. The standardized controller design with common communication protocols allows the same controller type to manage various lighting scenarios, eliminating the need for custom-built controllers for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical circuits are used to control different lighting channels, then more complex lighting effects can be achieved, but the failure of any single channel results in substantial loss of functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into independent modular units where each unit contains its own controller and can operate autonomously. This segmentation ensures that failure of one unit does not affect the operation of other units, maintaining system reliability while achieving complex lighting effects through coordinated operation of multiple independent modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built controllers are used to handle the required number of channels, then complex lighting effects can be achieved, but repair or replacement becomes impractical or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standardized universal controllers that can be interchangeably deployed across different lighting devices. These controllers follow common communication protocols and can be easily replaced or upgraded without requiring custom engineering, making repair and maintenance practical and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, standardized controller units that can be easily replaced rather than repaired. This approach treats controllers as consumable components that can be quickly swapped out, reducing maintenance complexity and downtime while achieving complex lighting effects through coordination of multiple such units.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional animated signs are constructed with multiple circuits and controllers, then complex lighting effects can be created, but the system becomes labor-intensive to produce and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is organized into independent modular units that can be individually configured, installed, and maintained. This segmentation reduces labor intensity by allowing localized maintenance of single units rather than requiring system-wide interventions, while complex lighting effects emerge from the coordinated operation of these simple modular components.
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 cost-effective, low-maintenance creation of complex lighting effects without the need for multiple circuits, as each device can be independently reset and operated, ensuring that failure of one device does not affect the entire system, allowing for various synchronized lighting effects like chasing, blinking, and fading.
Implementation Method 1
a clock signal converter configured to convert the alternating current frequency of the supplied electricity into a clock for use by the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable lighting effect device and system includes a main body having a plug secured to the first end, a socket secured to the second end, and a controller secured within a middle portion. The controller utilizes the alternating current frequency of the supplied electricity as a common clock and further instructs a light bulb installed within the socket to perform a predetermined illumination effect based on stored operating instructions.