Removable Lighting Control Module With Accessible Manual Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems require complex disassembly and reconfiguration for parameter changes, and wireless remote controls often malfunction, making them difficult to use and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A lighting control apparatus with a manually accessible control switch and removable circuit board, allowing for easy maintenance and configuration changes without full disassembly, and utilizing a photodiode to adjust illumination based on ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex lighting systems use integrated controls requiring disassembly for access, then system functionality is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into separate functional modules: a removable control unit with circuit board that can be detached from the lighting fixture. This segmentation allows users to access and replace control components without disassembling the entire lighting system, resolving the contradiction between integrated functionality and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is extracted as a separate removable component from the main lighting assembly. Users can remove the control unit to access the circuit board for maintenance or reconfiguration without affecting the rest of the lighting system, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining full control functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lighting systems require significant disassembly for configuration changes, then system integration is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into a permanent fixture portion and a removable control unit. The circuit board is further segmented as a separate component within the control unit that can be easily accessed and replaced. This hierarchical segmentation maintains system integration while enabling easy repair of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit containing the circuit board is extracted as a serviceable module that can be removed and replaced without disassembling the main lighting fixture. This extraction principle allows maintenance personnel to quickly access and repair control components while preserving the integrity of the overall system integration.
3Ease of operation
If wireless remote control systems are used for lighting control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to malfunction and difficulty in repair
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates a manual switch that allows direct local control of the lighting system without requiring wireless communication. This self-service control mechanism provides a reliable backup or alternative to wireless remote control, ensuring the system can always be operated directly at the fixture location.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable control unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the lighting system, providing both wireless remote control capability and direct manual control. This intermediary structure allows the system to offer the convenience of wireless control while maintaining reliability through direct control options and easy replacement of the control unit itself.
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 convenient user control and maintenance of lighting systems by allowing manual operation and automatic illumination adjustment, enhancing user accessibility and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a photodiode to adjust illumination based on ambient light conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting control apparatus is provided for use in connection with a lighting system, the apparatus includes a circuit board configured for performing multiple illumination functions for the lighting system; and at least one control switch structured for accessibility by a user without disassembly of the lighting control apparatus, and direct interface with the circuit board for adjusting at least one aspect of the illumination functions of the lighting system. Also, the lighting control apparatus is structured to be readily accessible and readily insertable into or readily removable from the conduit portion.