Radiator Lighting Control with Multi-Parameter Regulation Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiators with lighting systems lack flexibility and convenience in controlling lighting parameters, as existing control devices can only manage one parameter each, such as on/off, intensity, or color, limiting user control options.

Innovation Solution

A radiator with multiple control means capable of controlling the same lighting parameters, including on/off, intensity, color, and duration of activation, with at least two separate control means able to manage the same parameter, and a regulation system to prioritize these controls, using presence detectors, luminosity sensors, switches, dimmers, temperature sensors, learning modules, schedulers, and remote communication devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control means are provided for different lighting parameters (on/off, intensity, color), then each parameter can be controlled independently, but the flexibility and convenience of controlling the same parameter through multiple different means is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each control means is designed to control multiple lighting parameters (on/off, intensity, color, duration) rather than being dedicated to a single parameter. For example, a presence detector can control both on/off and intensity, while a dimmer can control both intensity and color. This multi-functionality approach allows the same parameter to be controlled through multiple different control means, significantly improving control flexibility without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If each control means controls only one specific parameter, then the control system is simple, but the user has limited options for controlling the same parameter through different means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcontrol parameter coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control means are designed with universal functionality to manipulate multiple lighting parameters. A presence detector can trigger on/off transitions and adjust intensity levels, a dimmer can control both intensity and color temperature, and a scheduler can manage duration and on/off timing. This enables users to control the same parameter through multiple different control means, greatly enhancing ease of operation and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors such as presence detectors and luminosity detectors that provide feedback about environmental conditions. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of lighting parameters - for example, the presence detector automatically turns on lights when someone enters, or the luminosity detector adjusts intensity based on ambient light levels, making the system more convenient and adaptive to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control means can control the same parameter, then user flexibility improves, but coordination and prioritization of conflicting controls becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol option varietyVSAvoidcontrol coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The regulation means continuously monitors the states of multiple control means and their corresponding lighting parameters. When conflicts arise (e.g., presence detector wants to turn on lights while scheduler wants to keep them off), the regulation means uses feedback from sensor data and control state information to determine the appropriate action, coordinating the multiple control means to work together harmoniously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The regulation means acts as an intermediary between multiple control means and the lighting means. It receives control signals from various sources (presence detector, dimmer, scheduler, remote device), processes them according to prioritization rules, and sends coordinated commands to the lighting means. This intermediary function resolves conflicts and ensures smooth operation, allowing multiple control options without proportionally increasing coordination complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3467388B1Radiator comprising at least two separate control means and every control means controls several control parameters
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 THERMOR SA
  • EP3467388B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a radiator (1), characterized in that it comprises lighting means (2), a plurality of control means (3) for the lighting means (2) capable of controlling at least one control parameter chosen from the on/off, intensity, color and activation time of the lighting means (2), at least two distinct control means (3) being capable of controlling the same control parameter, and means for regulating (4) the plurality of control means (3).